WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A 2009 alum of the University of Evansville men's soccer team has been named the youngest active General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Ally Mackay, a 2009 graduate and Purple Aces defender, was named the General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer by D.C. United on Monday, Nov. 20. Mackay joins the Black-and-Red after spending the previous five seasons as Nashville SC's Assistant General Manager. At 37 years old, Mackay is the youngest active General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer in MLS.
"Ally possesses the qualities we were looking for in the person to lead our soccer operations as we enter D.C. United's exciting new chapter. His experience from multiple perspectives, having served both in an MLS front office and as a player agent, will be valuable as it relates to culture building and identifying, supporting and harnessing talent. He is full of energy and passion for this opportunity. We are thrilled to welcome Ally and his family to the D.C. United family," said D.C. United Co-Chairman and CEO, Jason Levien.
In his role, Mackay will oversee soccer operations for D.C. United, which includes player identification, recruitment, acquisition and roster development, integration of the academy and youth pipeline to the first team, and the management and oversight of the technical staff. Mackay will lead the club's process to identify its next head coach. Mackay will report directly to D.C. United Co-Chairmen Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan.
"I'm excited and proud to take on this role and have the responsibility of leading this historic franchise forward into the next chapter. There are numerous elements that drew me to the club including the city itself, the passionate support from the fanbase, and a massive and immediate opportunity for growth on the soccer side," said Ally Mackay, D.C. United General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer. "As I take on this role, it's extremely motivating to reflect on the unmatched tradition and past successes of D.C. United. I have high expectations for myself and for the club and a strong belief that we can grow quickly and sustainably in the direction we and our fanbase demand. There are a lot of strong foundational elements already in place at the club that we can build on and improve and I'm eager to get started."
Prior to his hiring with D.C. United, Mackay spent five years with Nashville SC, joining the program before its inaugural season in 2020 with a focus on player recruitment. Before working in professional soccer, Mackay was a licensed player agent with the Stellar Group Agency, a leader in the sports agency industry. During his time with the agency, Mackay built and maintained extensive scouting networks across the globe. The Scotland native worked closely on contract negotiations on behalf of players and coaches.
Mackay was a two-year member of UE's men's soccer team from 2007 to 2009. While with the Aces, Mackay stepped into the starting lineup at center back just weeks after coming to Evansville from his native Scotland. He helped UE on it's back line, including the Aces holding opponents to only 1.55 goals, the Aces' best defensive average since 1997 at the time. Mackay also made four assists, against Valparaiso, Denver, Eastern Illinois, and Lipscomb in 2007. Mackay did not play during the 2008 season but in 2009 played four matches at the end of the season.
Mackay is a native of the Isle of Lewis located off the west coast of Scotland, and was a product of the Partick Thistle Academy in the top division of Scottish soccer. He represented Partick Thistle in U-17-19 matches while being named captain to the U-19 team. Mackay was also a member of the Bronze Medal-winning team at World Island Games in 2005.
