Gonzalo Pineda Head Coach | Atlanta United FC Website
Gonzalo Pineda Head Coach | Atlanta United FC Website
Atlanta United has announced the appointment of Chris Henderson as its new Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director. Henderson, who brings over 17 years of experience in soccer management, joins from Inter Miami CF where he spent four seasons. Before that, he had a significant tenure with the Seattle Sounders, contributing to their consistent playoff appearances since joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2009. As part of the deal for Henderson's move, Atlanta United traded a second-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft to Miami.
“Chris has experience building consistent, winning teams in this league and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the club as our new Sporting Director,” stated Garth Lagerwey, President and CEO of Atlanta United. “His illustrious career and vast experience was something we valued in this hiring process and he was someone who immediately rose to the top of our search.”
At Inter Miami CF, Henderson served as Chief Soccer Officer & Sporting Director since January 2021. During his time there, he led the team to win the inaugural Leagues Cup title in 2023 and achieve a record-breaking MLS Regular Season points total in 2024. Despite these successes, Miami fell to Atlanta United during Round One of the 2024 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
“I want to thank Arthur M. Blank and Garth Lagerwey for giving me the opportunity to come to Atlanta and I’m excited to begin this new journey in my career,” said Henderson.
Henderson's prior role with Seattle Sounders saw him involved from their inception into MLS in 2009 until he became Vice President of Soccer & Sporting Director. His efforts helped secure seven major trophies for Seattle including two MLS Cups.
In addition to his managerial roles, Henderson enjoyed an extensive playing career with several clubs across five franchises within MLS and stints abroad with FSV Frankfurt and Stabaek. He concluded his playing days with New York Red Bulls in 2006.
On an international level, Henderson earned caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team between 1990-2001, participating notably in both the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games.
Before turning professional, Henderson played college soccer at UCLA where he was recognized as an All-American player.
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