Soehn, D.C. United part ways
By: Craig Stouffer
Examiner Staff Writer
November 4, 2009
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| D.C. United coach Tom Soehn was in the final year of a three-year contract and will not seek an extension with the team. (Getty Images) |
Coach said he didn't want to seek extension
D.C. United and head coach Tom Soehn have parted ways after the club missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Soehn, who was in the final season of a three-year contract, told the club on Monday that he did not want to seek an extension. United officials said last week that they had not decided whether they intended to offer Soehn a new deal.
"My family and I have spent a lot of time in reaching this very difficult decision," said Soehn.
In three seasons, Soehn compiled a 55-48-31 record in all competitions, including a 36-30-24 mark in MLS regular season matches. United won the 2007 Supporters' Shield but lost in the first round of the playoffs. The last two seasons -- during which United averaged 45 matches, 50 percent more than the 30-game MLS regular season alone -- were plagued by disappointment and inconsistency. The team's biggest success was winning the lesser U.S. Open Cup in 2008 and advancing to the final in 2009.
"Over the past three seasons, Tommy has faced greater challenges than any other Major League Soccer coach," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "His record in all competitions this season was outstanding and he should not be judged on the basis of missing the MLS Cup Playoffs."
Prior to becoming United's fifth head coach, Soehn was an assistant for three seasons under Peter Nowak, who won the 2004 MLS Cup and 2006 Supporters' Shield.
"He is a terrific friend and colleague, and he played a major role in the club winning four trophies during his time here," said United general manager Dave Kasper. "He is a bright young coach who has a big career ahead of him."
In United's 14 years of existence, no coach has lasted more than three years.
