Former MLS Deputy Commissioner Sunil Gulati has been named Managing Director of Kraft Soccer Properties, the group that oversees the two MLS teams it runs, the New England Revolution and San Jose Clash. Also, Brian O’Donovan was named the Chief Operating Officer of the New England Revolution and will hold overall responsibility for the business operations and development of the Revolution and soccer at Foxboro Stadium. “Thanks to our fans, the New England Revolution has established itself as an institution in the region,” Operator/investor Jonathan Kraft said. “In Sunil, we feel we have the person in place to reward those fans with a winning team. There are very few individuals who have the same level of background in both the American and global aspects of the sport. He is the most qualified person to make our ventures in soccer successful on the field. Sunil will also help us explore investment opportunities on the international scene and represent Kraft Soccer Properties on the MLS Board of Governors. Sunil and Brian complement each other’s strengths and have worked together in the development of soccer in this country for many years. Both of these appointments are extremely positive steps.” The Revs (1997) and Clash (1996) have made the playoffs only one year apiece. For the second straight year, they both missed the cut. Gulati, 40, has been intricately involved in the rise of soccer in the United States. He served as the Deputy Commissioner for Major League Soccer during the first four years of the league, and was responsible for all player-related issues, including player acquisition and player development. He was fired in a nasty political battle with former MLS commissioner Doug Loan and MetroStars owner Stuart Subotnick before the start of the ’99 season. He joined Major League Soccer in 1995 from his position of Executive Vice President and Chief International Officer for World Cup USA 1994. “Sunil Gulati’s passion for the game and tireless work ethic will undoubtedly be valuable contributions to the Major League Soccer family,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “His efforts with MLS and toward the development of soccer in this country have been invaluable. I look forward to working closely with him in his role with Kraft Soccer and as a member of the league’s Board of Governors.” Gulati currently serves as Managing Director of U.S. Soccer’s Project 2010, is a member of both the U.S. Soccer and U.S. Soccer Foundation Board of Directors, and served on the Women’s World Cup USA 1999 Board of Directors.