WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today former assistant coach Tom Soehn has been named as the club's head coach, effective immediately. Soehn takes the reigns following six years in MLS as an assistant coach - three ('04-'06) with United and three with the Chicago Fire ('01-'03). Soehn replaces Peter Nowak, who has been hired as assistant coach of the U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team and will serve as assistant to Bob Bradley with the full national team.
"Tom Soehn has been a huge contributor to the success of our club over the past three seasons," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "He and Peter, along with Mark Simpson, forged a unique partnership. Tommy is incredibly hard working, with a tremendous drive to succeed. His attention to detail, eye for talent, and open and frank manner with players will no doubt help us continue the great tradition D.C. United has established as America's most honored professional soccer team."
As an assistant under Nowak, Soehn helped United earn a spot in the playoffs for three straight seasons, qualify for the CONCACAF Champions' Cup (in '05 and '07), the Copa Sudamericana ('05) and capture the 2004 MLS Cup and 2006 Supporters' Shield. As an assistant with the Fire, the team qualified for the playoffs each season he was there, won the 2003 Eastern Conference Championship and advanced to the 2003 MLS Cup.
"Tom Soehn is more than ready to be a head coach in MLS," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He has been a huge part of this club's success the past three years and he is well-respected in our locker room and in the community. It will be a pleasure to work with someone who has a strong work ethic, is passionate about the game and winning, and whose character is beyond reproach."
Prior to beginning his coaching career, Soehn played five years in MLS as a defender with both Dallas and Chicago, totaling two goals and three assists. During his time with Chicago, he was a member of the Fire's three championship teams (MLS Cup 1998, U.S. Open Cup 1998 and 2000). A veteran of the APSL, CISL and NPSL, the Chicago native began playing professional soccer in the United States in 1988. Before joining the Fire, Soehn played for the Wichita Wings (MISL) from 1988-92 and 1993-96, the Denver Thunder (NPSL) from 1992-93, the Las Vegas Dustdevils (CISL) in 1995, the Colorado Foxes (APSL) and the Dallas Burn from 1996-98. Soehn recorded 121 goals and 73 assists for 287 points during his indoor career, including a career-high 31 goals for the Wichita Wings in 1995-96.
During his time in Chicago, Soehn led the Fire in building a huge presence throughout Chicago's soccer communities in his dual role as Assistant Coach and Community Relations Coordinator within the Fire's front office. Soehn's vast community work also earned him the 2000 Chicago Fire/New York Life Humanitarian of the Year Award. He and his wife Jean have three children, TJ, Payton and Sydney.
Peter Nowak concludes his time as United's head coach after three full seasons. The former Polish international brought United its fourth MLS Cup championship during his first season with the club in 2004 and this past season led the team to the best record in MLS, earning the 2006 Supporters' Shield. United made the playoffs each of Nowak's three seasons and competed in both the CONCACAF Champions' Cup and Copa Sudamericana in 2005.
"Some people thought we took a risk when we made Peter Nowak, a former player with no coaching experience, the head coach of D.C. United in 2004," said Payne. "I never doubted Peter's likelihood of success, and he certainly proved me right. Peter led D.C. United to many great moments, including the 2004 MLS Cup, and his accomplishments here speak for themselves. All of us at D.C. United respect his wishes and expect nothing but great things from him in as he joins the U.S. Soccer coaching staff. Peter has become a terrific coach, and he's an equally good person, and he will be missed."
Named as a player to the MLS All-Time Best XI in 2005, Nowak was twice named as an All-Star head coach. In 2004, his East squad bested the West by a 3-2 score and this past season, Nowak led the MLS team to an impressive 1-0 victory over world power Chelsea FC.
"I've been fortunate to spend three fantastic years with D.C. United," said Nowak. "I'd like to thank Kevin Payne for believing in me and allowing me the chance to become a head coach, Dave Kasper for teaching me so much about the intricacies of Major League Soccer, Tommy Soehn and Mark Simpson for their dedication to making United the best we could be, the team staff and those in the front office that help all of us every step of the way, the fans who stood behind us all through every challenge, and, most importantly, the former and current players for their commitment and heart. I'm thankful and grateful for all that we've shared since 2004. I will always be a part of D.C. United.
"I wish Tommy good luck with his new challenge as head coach and I wish the organization the best in all of their competitions next season."
Nowak put together a 42-27-25 record in three seasons with United. His 42 wins places him second all-time in club history, behind only Bruce Arena who earned 61 victories from 1996 to 1998.
"Peter has been a great professional and close friend to work with over the past three years," said Kasper. "Through his leadership, D.C. United has accomplished many things including an MLS Cup championship and a Supporters' Shield. He will be an excellent addition to U.S. Soccer, as he has been instrumental in developing young talent in this country both as a veteran player and coach. We will miss Peter and we wish him the best of luck with his new challenge."
D.C. United season ticket packages are now on sale and may be purchased by visiting dcunited.com or by calling the United offices at 202-587-5000.
