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Ex-U.S. Captain Claudio Reyna To Direct MLS Team In NYC

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Former U.S. national team captain Claudio Reyna has been hired as director of soccer for the New York City FC of MLS.

Reyna played from 2003-07 with Manchester City, which is partnering with the New York Yankees to launch the new team. It will begin play in 2015.

He has been youth technical director of the U.S. Soccer Federation the past two years. Reyna was captain of the U.S. team at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

"Having had the privilege of playing both for my country here in the U.S. and for Manchester City FC in England, I could not have hoped for a more tailored-made opportunity in soccer," Reyna said. "I am incredibly excited to again wear City's 'Sky Blue' as part of the expansion of the MLS and the growth of soccer in the United States, and am honored to have been offered this opportunity.

"With a large fan base through the New York area, prime television rights and distribution, sponsorship commitments, and the Yankees as a US partner, the New York City Football Club has everything in place to succeed."

He grew up in New Jersey and lives in suburban New York.

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