Former Virginia Cavalier Ben Olsen has been named interim head coach of D.C. United, following the dismissal of first-year head coach Curt Onalfo. In Onalfo's seven months at the helm, D.C. United went 3-12-3 during regular season play. New Interim Head Coach Olsen donned the Wahoos jersey from 1995-1997.
"It is with mixed emotions that I accept this position," said Olsen. "Curt is a great friend and coach from whom I've learned a great deal. My job now is to get results for DC United. I'll give everything I have to do exactly that."
Prior to playing in the MLS, Olsen spent three years as a midfielder for the Cavaliers. During this time, the team posted a 56-8-8 record, which included NCAA titles in 1995 and 1997. He finished his career with 34 goals and 41 assists, and as a junior, was named the 1997 Soccer America Player of the Year and a finalist for the Hermann Trophy. He was also named as the ACC Tournament MVP and selected to the NSCAA All-American first-team after his senior year.
"The first priority in appointing an interim coach was ensuring that he would understand the passion, pride and commitment expected from every player who wears a D.C. United uniform," said DCU President and CEO Kevin Payne. "There is no one better suited for that task than Ben Olsen. We've asked Ben to focus on three objectives for the balance of this season: prepare to win the next game, demand of our players the same commitment to the shirt that he displayed and determine which players demonstrate that they want to play for United next season."
Virginia (and probably United) fans everywhere are excited for Benny to take over at helm. With rumors flying that DCU might be looking at Bob Bradley (who was an assistant coach for Virginia under Bruce Arena from 1983-1984) as a permanent replacement, it looks like I just found my MLS team to follow (Sorry, Alecko and Galaxy).