With one new assistant coach already in the fold in FC Dallas, head coach Steve Morrow has added another with the hiring of Drew Keeshan as goalkeeping coach. Keeshan, a native of Ireland who played professionally in his home country before coming to the USA around a year ago, spent the last year as a volunteer assistant at Clemson and came highly recommended.
"We're delighted to have Drew (Keeshan) down," Morrow said. "He's someone we've been trying to get for several weeks now. We're glad that we've been able to come to an agreement with him. He's a top-quality coach who has a great background and good experience. He also has good connections in college."
Keeshan is thrilled for the chance to move to the highest level of soccer in the USA.
"To be involved in a setup of this magnitude with the players and facilities that they have and with Coach (Steve) Morrow, it's a great opportunity for me," Keeshan said. "I'm looking to come in and work hard with the 'keepers on the technical things but also on the tactical side of the game to make sure they're sharp and are ready for what we hope will be a successful season."
FCD currently has three 'keepers on their roster. Veteran Dario Sala, who fought through injuries and a suspension last year as a the starter, is the elder statesman at 33 while third-year 'keeper Ray Burse, who impressed in limited duty last year, is 25 and rookie Josh Lambo is 17.
"It (this situation) is a little bit unique," Keeshan said. "You've got an older 'keeper in Dario (Sala), who is 33 and has been around a long time. We've got to be careful with Dario that he doesn't overdo it, so that means less reps for him and more reps for Ray (Burse). Then, we have a young 'keeper with a lot of potential who works a little bit more on the technical side than the other two.
"It's a challenge to put together sessions where you can focus on the needs of all three in the same session but I like that challenge. It's something different and something new."
The Hoops' newest hire also likes the fact that he and Morrow, who hails from Northern Ireland, come from similar soccer backgrounds.
"We came from a different setup back home to here," Keeshan said. "I've been in the States now for 10 plus years. Coming from where we come from, our ideas and training methods are a bit different than here and I think that helps."
Morrow brought Keeshan in last week for an interview after Clemson head coach Trevor Adair recommended him for the position and the FCD coach was impressed. "Drew was ambitious and wanting to move on to bigger and better things," Morrow said. "As soon as we got him here and assessed him, we liked what we saw."
Keeshan is FCD's fourth different goalkeeping coach since the 2005 season. In fact, the Hoops have had just one goalkeeper coach, Krys Sobieski, hold the position for multiple seasons. Sobieski held the post from 2000 through 2003 but Keeshan wants to reverse that trend.
"That (continuity) is the big thing when you're working with younger 'keepers." Keeshan said. "It's easier for older 'keepers to adjust but younger 'keepers look to you. And if you're changing goalie coaches every year, that doesn't help the younger guys. I'm here for the long haul without a doubt."
Being in the U.S. for the last decade has given Keeshan ample time to familiarize himself with MLS. And he likes how the league has evolved since then.
"I've followed the league since I've been over," he said. "It's changed so much. The TV coverage and facilities are a lot better now. You have soccer-specific stadiums like Pizza Hut Park. The infrastructure and support from the league is better. The all-around product is better."
Steve Hunt is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
