New Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney has officially announced his coaching staff, and the members have one thing in common: MLS experience.
Nick Theslof, Jason Bent, Daniel Calichman, Jon Conway, Jim Liston, and Michael Rabasca were announced as members of TFC's coaching staff by the club on Wednesday.
“I’m excited to work and collaborate with a staff that has unique experiences and skill sets,” said Vanney in a statement. “Our staff considers all aspects of preparation and performance as working one day at a time with a vision of driving this team to be successful for this year and well into the future.”
Theslof becomes an assistant coach of TFC's first team. The Toronto FC academy U-14 head coach since the start of the year, Theslof has been a scout for the German national team and scout and assistant coach at German powerhouse Bayern Munich. Theslof also served as technical director and assistant coach at Chivas USA, and assistant coach at Ohio Wesleyan University. He holds a USSF A coaching license.
Bent is the TFC veteran of the group, having served as assistant coach with the club for four seasons. Prior to that, he spent three seasons with the team's academy program. An Ontario native, Bent played with the Colorado Rapids from 1998-2000 and played for the Canadian national team, earning 32 caps.
Calichman has also been added as an assistant coach to the first team. Previously, Calichman was head coach at Claremont McKenna College in California, and has been U-18 head coach for LAFC, Cosmos West academy, and Chivas USA academy. He joined MLS with the LA Galaxy during the league's inaugural season, and also played for the New England Revolution and San Jose Earthquakes. He holds a USSF A coaching license.
Conway has been named goalkeeping coach of the first team following two seasons as the goalkeeping head coach with the club's academy. Conway also has playing experience in MLS, as a member of the San Jose Earthquakes, New York Red Bulls, Chivas USA, Toronto FC, and the Chicago Fire. He holds a NSCAA Goalkeeping Level II coaching certification.
- Get more TFC news at TorontoFC.ca
Liston becomes the director of Sports Science for Toronto FC. He previously worked with TFC's academy and has previously worked as strength and conditioning coach for the LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew, and Chivas USA.
Rabasca has been named director of Cognitive Development, a position the club says is the first of its kind in North America. Combining his work experience as occupational therapist with his work in soccer, Rabasca will focus on cognitive and neuro development in athletes. He also holds a USSF A coaching license.
