Philadelphia Union sporting director Earnie Stewart is set to become the first general manager of the U.S. men’s national team, according to a published report.
Doug McIntyre of Yahoo Sports reported on Monday that details were being finalized and an official announcement could come as early as this week.
Before his three-year run as the Union’s sporting director, Stewart, 49, was an executive with Dutch Eredivisie clubs NAC Breda and AZ Alkmaar. Born in the Netherlands, Stewart made 101 appearances for the United States, competing in three World Cups and won an MLS Cup with D.C. United as part of a successful 17-year professional career.
Nico Romeijn, the U.S. Soccer Federation’s chief sport development officer and a member of the six-person committee dedicated to finding a GM, told reporters the process was almost complete.
“We’re in the final stages,” he said before the United States defeated Bolivia, 3-0, at Talen Energy Stadium Monday night.
One of Stewart’s main responsibilities will be hiring a new coach. Dave Sarachan has served as an interim coach since Bruce Arena stepped down in October.
Last week, Kristian Dyer reported in Metro that Stewart was a frontrunner for the job, which reportedly had up to 10 candidates.
