LEESBURG, Va. – Loudoun United FC announced on Wednesday the club had appointed former D.C. United captain and 11-year MLS professional Steven Birnbaum as the club’s General Manager.

As the General Manager of Loudoun United Football Club, Steven Birnbaum will play a pivotal role in shaping the club’s overall direction for years to come. Birnbaum will oversee all soccer operations, manage the technical staff, coordinate recruitment and transfers, and work closely with ownership to execute the club’s short-term and long-term visions.

“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead this club as its General Manager,” said Birnbaum. “Being a former professional player myself, I am here to cultivate a winning culture both on and off the pitch. I am bringing in a fresh perspective and mindset to the front office that will help shape the future of this club for years to come.”

“Steven is exactly what Loudoun United needed. He is player-first, understands the locker room, sees the game the way we do, and addresses issues from a player’s perspective,” said Loudoun United President Niko Eckart. “He also already has a strong relationship with our head coach, Ryan Martin, as they have known each other for several years. This is not a stranger coming in and taking over. We are excited for this new chapter and the future of Loudoun United.”

Since his retirement from the playing field, Birnbaum was appointed as the Sporting Director at USL Super League club D.C. Power FC this past January. The 34-year-old will continue in his position with D.C. Power in addition to his new role with Loudoun United.

Previously, Birnbaum had recorded 262 MLS appearances over 11 seasons with D.C. United, tallying 13 goals, seven assists, 488 interceptions, and 1,216 clearances for the Black-and-Red. Debuting for D.C. in June of 2014, Birnbaum was a finalist for the 2014 MLS Rookie of the Year award, solidifying himself as a staple of the D.C. United backline for years to come.

Birnbaum also made 11 appearances for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) and making his debut in 2015 as a starter in an international friendly against Chile. He was also named to Jürgen Klinsmann’s squad for Copa America Centenario and World Cup Qualifying squad in 2016.