The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today that the Fire have named Leo Percovich as first assistant coach. Percovich, a veteran coach with experience in MLS, La Liga and numerous teams in Europe and South America, will join head coach Carlos de los Cobos’ staff ahead of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, Jan. 13 at 11:00 AM CT (ESPN2/MLSSoccer.com) in Baltimore, MD.
“Leo is an accomplished coach with experience at the highest level,” said Chicago Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. “He brings with him a unique perspective and a winning attitude. We expect Leo to be a great addition to our technical staff and believe he is the perfect fit to help guide our team.”
Percovich, 42, is a former Copa Libertadores and Uruguayan First Division champion. A native of Montevideo, Uruguay, he served as a goalkeeper coach with the Colorado Rapids (2006-2007) and Chivas USA (2008-2009) before joining Toronto FC as an assistant coach in 2009.
Percovich has trained under various coaches throughout Europe and Latin America, including spending time with club sides Real Madrid, Valencia, Stuttgart, Cruzeiro, and Pachuca as well as the national teams of Brazil, France, and Uruguay.
In his time as a player, Percovich made six appearances with the Uruguayan National Team during a professional career that saw him suit up for Nacional de Montevideo (1987-1993), Atletico Mineiro (1994), Guarani FC (1995), Fluminense FC (1995-1999), as well as Alianza de Lima in 2000 and Racing de Ferrot in 2001.
