Washington, D.C. (November 3, 2009) – D.C. United announced today Head Coach Tom Soehn has removed his name from consideration for United’s head coaching position ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the calendar year. Soehn served the Black-and-Red as an assistant from 2004-2006, before leading the club to two major trophies, a Supporters’ Shield in 2007 and a U.S. Open Cup in 2008, in three seasons as head coach. The process for finding United’s next head coach will begin immediately.
“Tommy has done an outstanding job at D.C. United, first as an assistant and then as our head coach,” said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “Over the past three seasons, Tommy has faced greater challenges than any other Major League Soccer coach. His record in all competitions this season was outstanding and he should not be judged on the basis of missing the MLS Cup Playoffs. Tommy is a fine young coach and I know we will face him in the future in MLS play. I wish him all of the luck in the world.”
Soehn was named Head Coach of D.C. United on December 21, 2006. The Black-and-Red won the 2007 Supporters’ Shield and the 2008 U.S. Open Cup under his guidance. In all competitions, Soehn posted a career mark of 55-48-31. United was 36-30-24 in League play in his three seasons at the helm.
My family and I have spent a lot of time in reaching this very difficult decision,” said Soehn. “I've been fortunate to spend the last six seasons with this organization. I'd like to thank the staff and fans for their support throughout my tenure. In particular, I'd like to thank Kevin Payne, Dave Kasper, Chad Ashton, Mark Simpson, Francisco Tobar, Brian Goodstein, David Brauzer and the entire technical staff. When you're in this business, the experiences you face together forge special bonds and friendships that will always remain. My appreciation also extends to the players. We accomplished a lot together since I arrived in 2004 and I thank them for their dedication and wish them the best in the seasons ahead.”
Soehn joined Peter Nowak’s coaching staff prior to the 2004 campaign. In three seasons as an assistant coach, United won two major titles, the 2004 MLS Cup and the 2006 Supporters’ Shield.
“I want to thank Tommy for his six years of great service at D.C. United,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He is a terrific friend and colleague, and he played a major role in the club winning four trophies during his time here. He is a bright young coach who has a big career ahead of him. I wish him continued success with his next coaching position and his family the best of luck always.”
Broadcasting and P.A. Request: When speaking of the organization, please refer to the team as either “D.C. United” or “United,” but not “the D.C. United” or “the United.” We appreciate your cooperation.
Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
