Bob Gansler Steps Down As Wizards Head Coach
July 19, 2006 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Sporting Kansas City News Release
KANSAS CITY, MO (Wednesday, July 19, 2006) - General Manager Curt Johnson announced today at a 1:00 p.m. press conference at Arrowhead Stadium that Bob Gansler has stepped down as head coach effective immediately. Johnson named Brian Bliss interim head coach.
Gansler departs as the Wizards head coach after serving in the position since April 28, 1999. Under Gansler's leadership, the Wizards capped off a worst to first turnaround in 2000 with an MLS Cup Championship and were the recipients of the Supporters Shield (indicative of their first place finish in the 2000 MLS regular season). Gansler was named Major League Soccer Coach of the Year in 2000 as well. In 2003, the Wizards came within a few minutes of advancing to their second MLS Cup. 2004 saw the Wizards overcome season ending injuries to Preki and Chris Klein to win their first U.S. Open Cup title as well as advancing again to the MLS Cup Championship Game.
"Bob Gansler is, simply put, an extraordinary leader of men," said Curt Johnson. "He is a lifelong student of the game of soccer and in my opinion has been its star pupil in this country. He has used his many talents to coach soccer and we in Kansas City are forever grateful. He is a primary reason for the Wizards biggest moments of success and our organization will always be thankful for his exemplary leadership, passion, and for seven wonderful years."
Gansler's tenure at the helm of the Wizards ends with an all-time record of 86-85-51, and a playoff record of 9-8-3 in his seven seasons with the organization. Prior to his career in Kansas City he coached the United States National Team from 1989 to 1991, guiding the U.S. to the World Cup in 1990. Gansler has also served as a head coach in the A-League, NCAA Division I, and at the Youth International level during his coaching career.
"The Hunt family is grateful to have had Bob and Nancy Gansler as a part of the Wizards organization and we wish them good fortune along life's path," said Wizards Founder Lamar Hunt. "During Bob Gansler's period of leadership he accomplished two significant championships for Kansas City, the 2000 MLS Cup and the 2004 U.S. Open Cup. These events are the most recent championships won by any Kansas City sports team and will always be a part of the Bob Gansler heritage in Kansas City."
Brian Bliss takes over as interim head coach after serving as the top assistant since December 21, 1999. A former defender and midfielder in the professional ranks, Bliss finished his playing career with Kansas City in 1998. His professional career began in 1991 at FC Chemnitz in Germany where he spent two seasons before moving up to FC Carl Zeiss of the German Second Division in 1992, playing five seasons until 1996. Bliss was one of Major League Soccer's original players having played for the Columbus Crew in MLS's inaugural season. From there he went on to play one season for the MetroStars (Red Bull New York) in 1997 before ending his career in 1998 with the Wizards.
On the international level, Bliss has played the sport at the highest level as a member of the United States' 1990 World Cup team that competed in Italy. Bliss' professional coaching career began in 1999 as the head coach of the A-League, Connecticut Wolves.
Bliss will make his debut as head coach this Saturday, July 22nd, when the Wizards take on the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium at 6:30 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the game live on HDNet and MLS's Direct Kick package.
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