ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Saint Louis FC announced on Wednesday night that former USL Coach of the Year Preki has been named as the club’s new head coach. A former MLS Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year, Preki led Sacramento Republic FC to the USL Cup in its inaugural season in 2014.

“Preki is someone that brings the passion, the determination and the commitment to creating an environment where players are pushed to realize their full potential,” said STLFC General Manager Jeremy Alumbaugh. “His track record of winning at both the MLS and USL levels make him the ideal person to lead Saint Louis FC, but also his ability to develop players during different points in their careers is something we were attracted to. If you look at the players he has helped bring along during his time at Chivas USA, Toronto, and Sacramento, you see a history of making players better and helping them become true professionals.”

Preki's most recent coaching position was with Sacramento, where he posted a record of 33-15-5 in addition to leading the side to its USL Cup victory. Prior to his arrival in Sacramento, Preki coached in MLS for Chivas USA and Toronto FC. During his stint in Los Angeles with Chivas USA, he boasted a record of 41-36-30 while earning Coach of the Year honors in 2007, and then went 11-11-10 across two seasons for Toronto FC.

“Winning, success and an intense desire to compete are part of his DNA,” said Saint Louis FC President Patrick Barry. “We had a very clear vision for what we wanted in our next coach and Preki matches that vision. The appointment of Preki signals our commitment to building the best franchise in the USL.”