D.C. United has named Nashville SC assistant general manager Ally Mackay as their new GM and chief soccer officer, the club announced Monday. The Washington Post first reported United’s intention to hire Mackay. The Athletic reported on the club’s interest in Mackay in early October.
DCU was without a GM after the club parted ways with Lucy Rushton (now the GM at NWSL side Bay FC) at the end of the 2022 season. Dave Kasper, the club’s president of soccer operations and sporting director, is expected to remain with the club in a reduced capacity but Mackay will be primary decision-maker on the soccer side.
Mackay’s first task will be a big one: filling D.C. United’s managerial vacancy. The club’s former coach, Wayne Rooney, left for English Championship side Birmingham City after D.C. United was eliminated from playoff contention in October. United has not qualified for postseason play in four seasons despite having the sixth-highest payroll in Major League Soccer.
“I’m excited and proud to take on this role and have the responsibility of leading this historic franchise forward into the next chapter,” Mackay said in a statement. “There are numerous elements that drew me to the club including the city itself, the passionate support from the fanbase, and a massive and immediate opportunity for growth on the soccer side.”
D.C. has an open designated player spot behind forward Christian Benteke and midfielder Mateusz Klich as Mackay has the chance to rebuild the squad.
Nashville hired Mackay to be part of GM Mike Jacobs’ inaugural staff as the club prepared for its 2020 expansion season. Nashville has been among the most successful modern expansion clubs, making the playoffs in each of its first four seasons including this year. Among Nashville’s best signings are reigning MVP Hany Mukhtar, two-time MLS Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman, club captain Dax McCarty and Costa Rica international Randall Leal.
Prior to joining the Nashville front office, Mackay worked as an agent. Nashville would have preferred to retain Mackay but were happy to let him interview for a job promotion at another club.
D.C. interviewed several other candidates, including Orlando City technical director Ricardo Moreira and Columbus Crew assistant GM Issa Tall.
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