New York City FC is pleased to announce that Rob Vartughian has joined the club as Assistant Coach ahead of the inaugural 2015 campaign.

Vartughian has a wealth of MLS experience having spent five years with Philadelphia Union where he was First Assistant Coach before becoming Technical Director alongside his coaching responsibilities. He has also worked as a goalkeeping coach and scout for the US men’s national Under-15 to Under-23 teams.

Vartughian joins CJ Brown and Miles Joseph alongside Head Coach Jason Kreis on the coaching staff as New York City FC prepare for their historic first season.

“To be a part of this club, with such a talented group of coaches is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and very humbling for me” said Vartughian.

“I have a great amount of respect and admiration for Jason Kreis and how his teams have played over the years. I think he’s a coach that really trusts his assistants and values everyone’s input. He is open and treats everybody like equals. My background is in goalkeeping so I’ll work specifically with the goalkeepers, but Jason prefers all of his coaches to be involved with all areas of the team.”

“My family are really excited about the opportunity to move to New York. I’m originally from Queens and grew up in New Jersey, I’m a Yankee fan so for me to have this opportunity to be part of a team playing at the Yankee Stadium will be really special.”

“It is such an exciting time for soccer in this country. I think it’s hard not to get excited about the potential for what this project can become. I can’t wait to get started.”