D.C. United hire Lucy Rushton as 2nd female GM in MLS history

D.C. United named Lucy Rushton its general manager Wednesday, making her Major League Soccer's second ever female in the position.

The only other female GM currently operating in a major men's professional sport in the United States is Kim Ng, who MLB's Miami Marlins appointed last November. MLS' first female GM was Lynn Meterparel, who oversaw the San Jose Clash from 1999, but journalist Grant Wahl notes she "was on the business and audience-building sides" rather than focusing on first-team affairs.

Rushton was the head of technical recruitment and analysis at Atlanta United and previously worked for Reading and Watford in England. She's regarded as a soccer analytics expert and drew wide praise for contributing to Atlanta's transfer strategy since the club's inaugural MLS campaign in 2017.

Rushton's full job title at DCU is general manager and head of technical recruitment and analysis.

Rushton's hiring coincided with Dave Kasper being promoted to president of soccer operations and sporting director. Kasper served as technical director (2002-07) and general manager (2007-21) at D.C. United, winning the MLS Cup, two Supporters' Shields, and two U.S. Open Cups over almost 19 years.

D.C. United already made another historic move behind the scenes in the offseason. The franchise hired Danita Johnson as president of business operations in December, making her the first Black president at an MLS club and the third woman to hold such a role.

Hernan Losada was also appointed as the team's head coach in December after impressing in his first managerial position with Beerschot in Belgium. The Argentine tactician is just 38 years old and succeeded club icon Ben Olsen in his new job.