Washington, D.C. (January 21, 2010) - D.C. United announced today Chad Ashton has been named as the team’s Technical Director. Ashton takes on the new role following three seasons as an assistant coach under Tom Soehn.
“We are excited that Chad will move into a very important position with the club,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He has an excellent eye for talent and will be instrumental in expanding our scouting network to identify potential players. His experience in MLS and as a coach at the college level will serve as a valuable resource to our Academy coaches and players.”
In his new role, Ashton will assist the technical staff with domestic and international player identification, including scouting of the collegiate ranks. He will also be very involved with the team’s youth academy, ensuring development of United’s young players happens at the highest level, as players are groomed for an eventual position on the first team.
Ashton spent three seasons (2007-2009) as an assistant coach under Tom Soehn. During his time with United, the team won a Supporters’ Shield in 2007 and the U.S. Open Cup title in 2008.
Prior to joining the Black-and-Red, Ashton coached the Denver University men’s soccer team for 10 seasons, the second longest tenure in the program’s history. 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.
Ashton played in MLS one season, joining the Dallas Burn for the inaugural 1996 campaign. With Dallas he earned 10 starts in 23 appearances and notched a goal. He also scored one goal in three playoff games (one start) in 1996. Before coming to MLS, Ashton 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.
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.
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Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
