Los Angeles Football Club announced Friday the hiring of Will Kuntz as Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Soccer Operations.

Kuntz will report to General Manager and Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations John Thorrington.

Kuntz recently worked with Major League Soccer as the Director of Players Relations and before that he worked 10 years in the New York Yankees organization.

“I’m excited to work with John and the entire LAFC team to build a team that will represent our city, our league and our sport,” Kuntz said.

“We are already working hard to be able to field a team that will excite our fans and bring another champion to the city of Los Angeles.”

LAFC will join Major League Soccer for the 2018 season and play at the Banc of California Stadium.

The club recently partnered with The Orange County Soccer Club in USL to expand player development.

Zardes, Rowe released

Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes and goalkeeper Brian Rowe were among the six players released back to their clubs from the U.S. Men’s National Team camp.

Zardes, who had missed the previous two days of training, has a “minor” right knee contusion and will not play in Sunday’s friendly against Serbia in San Diego or against Jamaica on Feb. 3.

Taylor Kemp (D.C. United), Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia), Will Trapp (Columbus) and Chris Wondolowski (San Jose) were the other players sent back to their clubs, leaving the U.S. roster at 23.

“I have been extremely pleased with the effort and progress we have seen throughout the January Camp,” U.S. coach Bruce Arena said.

“The entire pool of players has performed well and has made our roster decisions very difficult. We are excited to take the next step and look forward to the game against Serbia in San Diego.”