Description:
Olsen’s coaching career began prior to the 2010 MLS campaign as an assistant under Curt Onalfo. Midway through the 2010 campaign, Olsen stepped into the breach to replace Onalfo, making his debut as Interim Head Coach on August 7 at New England. Olsen won his first match in charge on February 22 against Philadelphia in a 2-0 triumph. Following improved play under the former United captain, Olsen was hired permanently as Head Coach on November 29, 2010 . At 33-years-old, he is currently the youngest coach in Major League Soccer, having retired from the Black-and-Red on November 24, 2009. As a player, Olsen was amongst the club’s all-time leaders in several key categories at the time of his retirement – second in games played (221), minutes played (17,098) and game-winning goals (13), third in assists (49) and shots on goal (155), and seventh all-time in goals (29). Arguably the most popular player in United history, the midfielder won eight total trophies while in DC, including two MLS Cups (1999 & 2004). He was a two-time All-Star (1998 & 1999), the 1998 MLS Rookie of the Year, the 1999 MLS Cup MVP, the 2003 USSF Humanitarian of the Year and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2007. In addition to his storied career with United, Olsen also had an illustrious career with the U.S. Men’s National Team. He made his full international debut against Australia on November 6, 1998. His first goal for the U.S. came in just his second international game when he tallied against Chile on February 21, 1999. In 2000, he was part of the team that reached the bronze medal game at the Sydney Olympics before falling to Chile. Olsen was selected to the 2006 World Cup team and played 51 minutes in the team’s final match against Ghana. All told, the midfielder earned 37 caps and six goals with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Prior to his professional career, from 1995-97, Olsen spent three seasons at the University of Virginia. During his time with the Cavaliers, the team posted a 56-8-8 record. All told, the midfielder compiled 34 goals with 41 assists and started and played every game (69) of his collegiate career. After his junior season, he was named the 1997 Soccer America Player of the Year and was 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.
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