Red Bulls name Jesse Marsch head coach

The New York Bulls hired Jesse Marsch as their head coach ahead of the 2015 season.

The New York Bulls hired Jesse Marsch as their head coach ahead of the 2015 season, the team announced Wednesday.

Marsch replaces Mike Petke, who was fired after leading the team to a 32-22-21 record and two appearances in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Last season, the Red Bulls lost in the Eastern Conference Finals to the New England Revolution.

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

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Marsch, 41, won an MLS Cup with the Chicago Fire and also coached the Montreal Impact during its first season in 2012, leading the team to a 12-17-7 record. He left the team in November 2012.

Marsch served as a US Men’s National Team assistant for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2011 Gold Cup.

The Red Bulls kick off their 2015 season against Sporting Kansas City on March 8.

- Scooby Axson