Lagerwey, who was hired as Seattle’s general manager in 2015, and Henderson, who was hired there as technical director in 2008, worked together for the Sounders until 2021.

“Chris has experience building consistent, winning teams in this league and we are pleased to welcome him to the club as our new sporting director,” Lagerwey said in a team statement. “His illustrious career and vast experience were something we valued in this hiring process and he was someone who immediately rose to the top of our search. He understands all the nuances that come with building an MLS roster and I’m excited for him to play a critical role in helping us bring this consistent winner to Atlanta.”

The duo knows how to create winning teams.

Before Lagerwey was hired in Seattle, Henderson helped the team win four US Open Cups (2009, 2010, 2011 and 2014) and a Supporters Shield (2014).

When Lagerwey came along, Seattle won the MLS Cup in 2016 and ’19 and finished second in ’17 and ’20.

Henderson joined Miami in January 2021. The Herons with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters Shield in 2024. Miami was eliminated in the playoffs that season by Atlanta United.

Lagerwey moved to Atlanta United on November 22nd. The team has not won a trophy since 2019, so Lagerwey fired manager Gonzalo Pineda in June and technical director Carlos Bocanegra in September.

Atlanta United has not yet hired its next manager. Lagerwey decided that Rob Valentino, who served as interim after Pineda, would not be considered.

The transfer window opens in January. The training camp is expected to open in mid-January.

In addition to a manager, Atlanta United has two designated player spots it can fill, as well as two under-22 spots or one DP slot and three under-22 spots.

The team appears set on goalkeeper and centre-back, but needs a striker, a full-back who can play on both sides, and competition on the left wing and central midfield.

Henderson follows the recent hiring of David Tenney as Director of High Performance. Tenney also worked in Seattle.

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