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New York Red Bulls name Jesse Marsch as new head coach

The New York Red Bulls named former Montreal Impact manager Jesse Marsch as their new coach to replace Mike Petke, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

"On behalf of the New York Red Bulls, I'd like to welcome Jesse aboard as our new head coach," said the club's new sporting director Ali Curtis. "We're excited to bring someone on who has both MLS and U.S. men's national team coaching experience and we strongly believe he is the right candidate to lead our team going forward."

The decision comes just a day after it was reported that top assistant Robin Fraser had left the club to take a similar role with Toronto FC. New York announced earlier on Wednesday that the club had parted ways with Petke.

"I'm honored to be joining a franchise like the New York Red Bulls and I want to thank the organization for this opportunity," said Marsch. "I'm excited to get going with our players and sporting staff as we prepare for the 2015 season."

Marsch, 41, is an MLS Cup winner with the Chicago Fire who served as an assistant coach with the U.S. national team under Bob Bradley. He later was tabbed to be the head coach of the Impact during its inaugural season back in 2012, one that was viewed in some quarters as being successful.

While Montreal failed to make the postseason, posting a record of 12-16-6, the team managed to stay in playoff contention until late in the season, and appeared to primed to have a successful second campaign.

But Marsch and Montreal's ownership fell out over philosophical differences, and the two sides parted ways just weeks after the 2012 regular season was finished. Now Marsch will get his second opportunity to coach an MLS team.

Petke, 38, was hired just prior to the 2013 season after serving as a Red Bulls assistant for two years under Hans Backe. At the time of his hiring, Petke was thought to be too inexperienced to be successful, especially with a veteran-laden roster that included Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill. Instead,

Petke led New York to the first and only major trophy in its history, claiming the 2013 Supporters Shield.

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