Los Angeles FC adds MLS veteran John Thorrington to front office
New MLS expansion franchise Los Angeles FC has hired former league regular John Thorrington as executive vice president of soccer operations, the club announced Tuesday.
New Soccer Ops VP John Thorrington on return to Los Angeles: Today, I truly feel like I am coming home. pic.twitter.com/Lpmos2Jy1s
— LAFC (@LAFC) December 8, 2015
Thorrington played in MLS for nine seasons, spending time with the Chicago Fire, Vancouver Whitecaps, and D.C. United before retiring in 2013. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Thorrington moved to California as a young boy and came through the U.S. soccer development system, earning four caps for the U.S. national team.
"John knows our game, he knows our league, and is the right soccer mind to build our team on a global level," Tom Penn, LAFC's president and owner, said in a statement.
"From the outset, our goal has been to make LAFC a club that reflects the lifeblood of this city, the creativity, resilience, energy and passion of its people," said Peter Guber, LAFC's executive chairman and owner. "With John, and his deep connection to Southern California and MLS, we have the perfect leader to help us build a club that truly reflects the best of Los Angeles."
Thorrington will "assume leadership of player and personnel decisions," according to the club, which begins play in 2018.