MLS D.C. United

D.C. United hires Chad Ashton as Assistant Coach

Published on January 17, 2007 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, DC (January 17, 2007) - D.C. United announced today the hiring of Chad Ashton to serve as an assistant coach. Ashton departs his post as the Head Coach at the University of Denver after 10 seasons.

"I'm very excited to add Chad to our staff," said United Head Coach Tom Soehn. "He has a unique eye for talent, understands the game and knows how to communicate that understanding to his players. He has a great respect for the history of D.C. United and how important the tradition is here. We're happy to have him."

Soehn and Ashton have a long history together, having played professionally together for the Colorado Foxes (APSL), the Wichita Wings (MISL) and the Dallas Burn (MLS). Ashton spent the 1996 season with the Burn, earning 10 starts in 23 appearances and notching a goal. He also scored one goal in three playoff games (one start) in 1996.

"Chad's sterling reputation made him an ideal candidate for this position," said United Co-managing Partner Will Chang. "I'm confident in the abilities of Tommy, Chad and Mark Simpson and firmly believe that they will combine to field a very competitive team this season."

Ashton coached the Denver University men's soccer team for 10 seasons, the second longest tenure in the program's history behind only John Byrden's 15 years. Ashton's career record was 85-85-14, all as head coach of the Pioneers, and he was named the 2006 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation co-Coach of the Year after guiding his team to an 11-5-2 record. He also was voted the 2004 MPSF Coach of the Year after leading the Pioneers to a 12-5-1 record.

As a collegiate player, Ashton was a three-time All-ACC performer at the University of North Carolina and finished his career in 1989 as the Tarheels' all-time leader in assists with 43, a record he still holds. Ashton also helped UNC to two NCAA tournament appearances, including a berth in the 1987 Final Four.

Ashton later played for the Colorado Foxes of the American Professional Soccer League from 1990-94 and again in 1996. The Foxes' all-time points leader, he played a key role in the team's league titles in 1992 and 1993. In addition to playing in MLS and the APSL, Ashton also enjoyed stints with several teams in professional indoor leagues.

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 17, 2007


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