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Former LA Galaxy defender James Riley becomes MLS director of player relations | INSIDER

Former LA Galaxy defender James Riley is moving from the soccer field to the board room.

The 11-year MLS veteran retired in May to accept a position with Major League Soccer as the league’s director of player relations. For a defender, who made 251 regular season appearances with seven teams, throughout his career, the progression is a natural one.

“I was a 12-year-old kid when the league started,” Riley told MLSsoccer.com. “I remember watching the first game on television and being ultra-excited and going to the Colorado Rapids inaugural home game and wishing to one day be on that field.