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Mikey Varas was named the first head coach of MLS expansion franchise San Diego FC on Monday.

Varas, 41, most recently served as the interim coach for the U.S. men’s national team through last week’s friendly against New Zealand.

“I am honored to join San Diego FC as the club’s first head coach,” Varas said. “The opportunity to build something special from the ground up, with such ambitious and committed ownership, and in a city with such a passionate fan base, is truly exciting.

“I look forward to working with the team and the community to develop a winning culture from the start. I will give everything to this club and the people of San Diego.”

Varas guided the U.S. U-20 squad to a quarterfinal finish at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He also led them to the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, which qualified the U.S. for the Olympics for the first time since 2008.

“We believe Mikey is the perfect choice to lead San Diego FC as the club’s first head coach,” club chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour said in a statement. “As we prepare for our inaugural season, Mikey’s leadership, desire to win now, and his deep understanding of player development make him the ideal choice to guide our club forward.”

Varas has MLS experience as an assistant coach for three seasons at FC Dallas under Luchi Gonzalez from 2019-21.

“Mikey embodies the values and ambitions of San Diego FC,” said sporting director Tyler Heaps. “His ideas on the game and how it should be played align with ours and his commitment and energy throughout the process is one that we feel connects with this community and our vision for the club.

“We have big aspirations for SDFC, and we believe Mikey has the right drive, passion, and leadership to help us build a winning culture. I’m looking forward to welcoming him to San Diego and continuing to build out the staff that will support and help us accomplish our goals.”

San Diego FC, which will play home games at San Diego State’s football stadium, will become the 30th team in MLS in 2025. The club has six players under contract so far, headlined by Mexican winger Chucky Lozano.

–Field Level Media