Chris Economides
Chris Economides is the Senior Director of the a USL First Division part of the United Soccer Leagues. Prior to joining USL in October 2008, Economides served as the Chief Operating officer for the Rochester Rhinos before going on to found former USL First Division team Carolina Railhawks.[1]
Prior to founding the Carolina Railhawks, Chris Economides was instrumental in forming the Rochester Raging Rhinos, a team in the same USL-1 division that has sprung to national prominence on the soccer scene. In his role as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President/General Manager, Economides was responsible for the soccer business of the club. From off-season player scouting, signing of players to representing the team in league matters, he keeps busy year-round helping to assemble one of professional soccer’s premier organizations.
Economides, along with partners Steve Donner and Frank DuRoss, formed the Rhinos in the fall of 1995. They founded the team in the then independent A-League and quickly turned the franchise into a juggernaut in the minor league sports industry. The club was a league-leader in attendance from 1996–2004 and was named one of the Top Five Minor League Sports Franchises by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal. Their success at the gate is matched by the teams’ three league titles (1998, 2000 and 2001) and the 1999 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup title, in which they defeated three MLS teams en route to the historic championship. The Rhinos ownership trio was inducted into the USL Hall of Fame in 2005 as builders.
In addition to his soccer duties, Chris also stayed busy during the summer by assuming the same role for the Rochester Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse. Prior to his role with the Rhinos, Economides previously co-owned the Kansas City Attack of the NPSL from 1991-1993. The Attack captured the NPSL championship in 1992-93, finishing a successful season by defeating the Cleveland Crunch 3-2 in the finals in front of 12,000 fans at Kansas City’s Kemper Arena.
A native of Rochester, NY Economides graduated from Monroe Community College and Eastridge High School. He has also owned a variety of restaurants in the Rochester area. He has two sons, Steven and Alex, and is very active in youth soccer, hockey, and baseball.
References
- ↑ Linker, Adam (July 29, 2007). "Profile: Chris Economides, managing partner, Carolina RailHawks: When stadium fills, he'll scream, 'Goal!'". Triangle Business Journal.