Atlanta United fire VP, technical director Carlos Bocanegra

Field Level Media|published: Wed 4th September, 11:32 2024

Jul 27, 2024; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; General view of a soccer ball before a game between the New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Atlanta United parted ways Wednesday with longtime vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra.

Bocanegra, 45, joined the front office in 2015, oversaw Atlanta's roster construction as a 2017 expansion franchise and celebrated an MLS Cup championship in 2018.

Atlanta United missed the playoffs in 2020 and 2022 and did not make it beyond the first round in 2021 and 2023. The team (8-12-7, 31 points) currently sits in the ninth and final playoff position in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of the Philadelphia Union.

Club president and CEO Garth Lagerwey will assume Bocanegra's duties on an interim basis for the remainder of the 2024 season.

"We are deeply appreciative of Carlos' dedication and success over the last nine years with Atlanta United. However, I believe it's time for our club to move in a new direction," Lagerwey said.

"While we will continue to fight for a playoff spot down the final stretch of the season, this gives us a clean slate and a runway to properly assess all vacancies in our sporting operation ahead of what will be an extremely important offseason for our club."

Atlanta United also won the 2019 Campeones Cup and 2019 U.S. Open Cup during Bocanegra's tenure.

"I want to personally thank Carlos for his many contributions to the success of Atlanta United on and off the pitch," owner and chairman Arthur Blank said. "He was here from the beginning and deserves much credit for our MLS Championship; other trophies we've won over the last nine years; and the way our team captured the heart of this city even before we launched in 2017.

"Several dynamic players signed by Carlos have been foundational to our success, including some who have moved on to opportunities in elite leagues and clubs across the world. I will always have great affection for Carlos and his beautiful family, and deep gratitude for the passion and dedication he brought to our club over the years. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

Atlanta United are also seeking a full-time head coach after parting ways with Gonzalo Pineda in early June. Former assistant Rob Valentino is the interim coach.

Bocanegra, a defender, is a former U.S. national team captain who played professionally from 2000-14 in the MLS, England, France, Scotland and Spain.

--Field Level Media

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