Frank Yallop Joins United as Head Coach and President of Soccer Ops

Two-Time MLS Cup Winner Brings 13 Years of MLS Head Coaching Experience to the Valley

PHOENIX (December 23, 2015) — Arizona United SC announces today the appointment of renowned soccer manager Frank Yallop to the position of Head Coach and President of Soccer Operations, effective immediately. Yallop has agreed to a three-year contract, but per team policy no other details were announced.

“Entering our third season of play, we wanted to show our fans and our players that we were committed to putting a winning and championship product on the field, and we couldn’t think of a better way to communicate it than hiring someone like Frank Yallop,” said Arizona United SC co-chairmen Kyle Eng and Brett Johnson. “Frank’s experience and success speaks for itself and he’ll immediately raise the bar and put the rest of the league on notice that Arizona United SC is serious about being the best club in USL.”

Yallop has 13 years of head coaching experience in MLS, including winning two MLS Cup titles and two MLS Coach of Year Awards. In 2001, he guided the San Jose Earthquakes to an MLS Cup final win over the L.A. Galaxy, and was additionally honored with his first MLS coach of the year award.  Two years later, Yallop guided the Earthquakes to their second MLS Cup title in three years with a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Fire.

Following the 2003 season, Yallop stepped down to become the Canadian National Team coach and led them to the third round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.

Yallop returned to the MLS pitch when he was named head coach of the LA Galaxy in June 2006. While there he coached a talented team headlined by David Beckham. In 2008, San Jose tapped him as their head coach and Yallop returned to lead the Earthquakes for the next six seasons. During the 2012 campaign, Yallop added his second MLS Coach of the Year award after guiding the Earthquakes to a 19-6-9 record as San Jose won the MLS Supporters Shield.

“I am honored to be getting this opportunity,” said Frank Yallop. “From the moment I first met Kyle, and Brett, it became obvious how passionate and ambitious an organization Arizona United SC is. I share in the passion and vision they have for this club, and am looking forward to doing my part to help us achieve all of our goals both in the short and long term.”

Before coming to Arizona, Yallop spent the 2014 and 2015 campaigns as the head coach of the MLS’ Chicago Fire. In his combined 13 years as a MLS head coach, Yallop has compiled a 171-167-123 record. His 171 MLS wins as head coach rank him fifth all-time.

Prior to becoming a coach, Yallop played for sixteen years in both England and MLS. Yallop’s career as a defender for Ipswich Town FC included three years in the old top flight and three years in the Premier League. Following his thirteen seasons with “The Blues”, Yallop joined MLS’ Tampa Bay Mutiny earning Mutiny’s Defender of the Year for two out of his final three seasons as a player.

About Arizona United Soccer Club
Arizona United Soccer Club is Arizona’s only professional soccer franchise. Established in 2014, the club enters its third year in United Soccer League. For more information on the club, visit the team’s website atwww.ArizonaUnited.com. You can also follow the team on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/ArizonaUnitedSoccer), Twitter (@AZUnitedSC) or Instagram (AZUnitedSC).