MLS News: Inter Miami CF II names former Crew star Federico Higuain as its new head coach

Federico Higuain (courtesy Inter Miami CF Communications)

Inter Miami CF II, the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate team, announced today that it has promoted Federico Higuaín as head coach ahead of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season.

The coaching update follows the recently announced promotions to the First Team coaching staff. Darren Powell, former Director of Player Development and Inter Miami CF II head coach, and Javier Morales, former Inter Miami CF Academy U-17 head coach, were promoted to First Team assistant coaches earlier today.

“We’re very happy to promote Fede to this new role; he earned it with his incredible work with the group last season,” said Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “Fede’s experience affords him unique insight and he has channeled that into his coaching. We are very confident in his ability to lead Inter Miami CF II and develop our young players.”

“I’m excited to take on this new role and aim to continue developing the young professionals and academy players in our roster alongside a great coaching staff. I’m very thankful with the Club and all the players for their trust, and look forward to a thrilling second MLS NEXT Pro season in which we’ll compete together as a team,” said newly appointed Inter Miami CF II head coach Higuaín.

Higuaín returns for his second season with the team after previously being one of the Inter Miami CF II assistant coaches in 2022 while now Inter Miami assistant coach Darren Powell was still at the helm. Higuaín enters the second year of his coaching career following a lengthy playing career, with the standout midfielder playing his final season with Inter Miami in 2021. In nearly 20 years as a player, he tallied over 400 appearances and over 170 combined goals and assists, including 29 appearances, three goals and four assists with Inter Miami. In 2021, Higuaín began his managerial career by assisting the Club’s academy coaching staff, working closely with former U-17 head coach Javier Morales. He also served as a player-coach during his tenure with D.C. United and currently holds a U.S. Soccer B License in coaching.

Inter Miami CF II’s full roster, coaching staff and schedule for the 2023 season will be announced at a later date.

COURTESY INTER MIAMI CF COMMUNICATIONS