[UPDATE: Here is the official press release]
We'll soon officially announce that United's six-year relationship with Tom Soehn has ended. United's one-time Assistant Coach (2004-2006) and its Head Coach for the last three seasons (2007-2009) has removed his name from consideration for the club's head coaching position ahead of the expiration of his three-year contract at the end of the calendar year.
Soehn informed President & CEO Kevin Payne and General Manager Dave Kasper of his decision yesterday, and this morning told the team.
“Tommy has done an outstanding job at D.C. United, first as an assistant and then as our head coach,” said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “Over the past three seasons, Tommy has faced greater challenges than any other Major League Soccer coach. His record in all competitions this season was outstanding and he should not be judged on the basis of missing the MLS Cup Playoffs. Tommy is a fine young coach and I know we will face him in the future in MLS play. I wish him all of the luck in the world.”
Soehn's final year as Head Coach of D.C. United was largely disappointing. The team narrowly missed making the post-season for the second year in a row and ended the campaign with a record of 9-8-13. After capturing the U.S. Open Cup title in 2008, the team did well to return to the final, but fell 2-1 to Seattle Sounders FC at RFK Stadium. The team made great strides in Champions League play (after finishing 0-5-1 in '08), putting together a record of 4-2-2 overall (3-2-1 in Group B), but was unable to advance to the knockout stage.
During his six years with the club, Soehn helped United capture the 2004 MLS Cup, two Supporters' Shields (2006 & 2007) and the 2008 U.S. Open Cup title.
Here are T. Soehn's career numbers as head coach of D.C. United..
Major League Soccer
2007: 16-7-7
2008: 11-15-4
2009: 9-8-13
Total: 36-30-24
MLS Cup playoffs
2007: 0-1-1
U.S. Open Cup
2007: 0-1-0
2008: 4-0-0
2009: 5-1-0
Total: 9-2-0
CONCACAF Champions Cup
2007: 2-1-1
2008: 2-1-1
Total: 4-2-2
CONCACAF Champions League
2008: 0-5-1
2009: 4-2-2
Total: 4-7-3
SuperLiga
2007: 1-2-1
2008: 0-3-0
Total: 1-5-1
Copa Sudamericana
2007: 1-1-0
All competitions
3-year total: 55-48-31
Everyone at D.C. United wishes Tommy and his family the best as they look towards the next step in their lives. Thank you for your dedication and service to United, T. Soehn.
