Impact names Braz as technical director

Former defender welcomes ‘important soccer-specific role’

Adam Braz was named technical director of the Impact on Monday.

The former Impact and Toronto FC defender served as Montreal’s manager from 2011 to 2013.

He replaces Matt Jordan, who left the Major Soccer League team on Nov. 4 to become vice-president and general manager of the Houston Dynamo.

Braz will manage the team’s salary cap and act as a liaison between the club and MLS. He will work with manager Frank Klopas on contract negotiations and strategy and will handle day-to-day operations of the MLS squad.

“I am very excited at this great opportunity to be back with the organization in such an important soccer-specific role,” Braz said. “I want to thank (owner Joey Saputo) and the club for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to the chance to help lead this club to long lasting success. My vision is to help create a clear soccer identity for the club.”

Braz will report to executive vice-president of soccer operations Richard Legendre.

“We are very pleased to have quickly found someone to fill this role, with someone who knows the club, the culture, the league and the players,” Legendre said. “Adam has shown a lot of character and determination throughout his career. As the first team’s manager, he showed a lot of professionalism. He has a clear vision on how the first team should operate. I am convinced that he has the necessary aptitudes to be successful in this role.”

The 33-year-old Braz played seven seasons for the Impact. He also played for Toronto FC during its expansion season in 2007 and for Swedish second division club Vasteras in 2003.

The Montreal native also played in 12 games for Canada’s national team.