MLS
THE DESIGNATED PLAYER RULE WAS CREATED TO ALLOW DAVID BECKHAM TO MOVE TO MLS
ABOVE: David Bekham during an LA Galaxy press conference LEFT: David Bekham in action for LA Galaxy BOTTOM: Lorenzo Insigne will join Toronto FC in July
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SOCCER360 MARCH • APRIL 2022
rich soccer history as Rochester NY FC. We are excited to develop the future international stars of soccer, right here in our local community. By joining this league, Rochester is on the cusp of the future and the evolving global game of soccer.” David and Wendy Dworkin co-own the team with Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who also expressed his excitement of the move in a press release. “We look forward to showcasing Rochester as a premier professional club and are excited to kick off that process by helping to launch the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro in 2022,” said Vardy. “Joining this league, full of opportunity for communities, fans, players and staff – on the pitch and off – is a tremendous point of pride for our club.” The league has already announced that eight more MLS-affiliated clubs will join in 2023, with the likes of Atlanta United, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, D.C. United, Los Angeles FC, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls and Nashville all sitting out for the debut campaign. MLS NEXT Pro also suggested there will be even more independent organizations added to the league as well in 2023 and beyond. MLS NEXT Pro appointed two executives who will lead the league in its first season. Charles Altchek has been named President, with former Toronto FC general manager Ali Curtis named as Senior Vice President of Competition and Operations of MLS NEXT Pro. “Charles and Ali have the experience, enthusiasm and values to lead the growth and development of MLS NEXT Pro,” Garber declared when the appointments were announced. “They will partner with MLS-
