< back to team staff NAME: Tom Soehn POSITION: Head Coach

Tom Soehn was named as United's head coach on December 21, 2006. His second season as the helm was one of frustration and adversity, as the team finished with a record of just 11-15-4 and missed out on the post-season for the first time since 2002. With a team that was decimated by injury throughout and the most competitive matches (47) in club history, the lone bright spot was the team's second U.S. Open Cup championship. In his first season as the team's leader, he led the Black-and-Red to its second consecutive Supporters' Shield. The trophy was earned despite having to balance a schedule that saw the club play in 11 competitive games outside of the MLS schedule.

Soehn took the top position with the Black-and-Red following three seasons ('04-'06) as an assistant under Peter Nowak.

Prior to his time in D.C., he also spent three seasons ('01-'03) as an assistant with the Chicago Fire. During his time with the Fire, the team qualified for the playoffs each season, won the 2003 Eastern Conference Championship and advanced to MLS Cup 2003. Since joining United in 2004, Soehn has helped the team win the 2004 MLS Cup and the 2006 and 2007 Supporters' Shield.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Soehn played five years in MLS as a defender with both Dallas and Chicago, totaling two goals and three assists. During his time with Chicago, he was a member of the Fire's three championship teams (MLS Cup 1998, U.S. Open Cup 1998 and 2000). A veteran of the APSL, CISL and NPSL, the Chicago native began playing professional soccer in the United States in 1988. Before joining the Fire, Soehn played for the Wichita Wings (MISL) from 1988-92 and 1993-96, the Denver Thunder (NPSL) from 1992-93, the Las Vegas Dustdevils (CISL) in 1995, the Colorado Foxes (APSL) and the Dallas Burn from 1996-98, where he helped the team capture the 1997 U.S. Open Cup. Soehn recorded 121 goals and 73 assists for 287 points during his indoor career, including a career-high 31 goals for the Wichita Wings in 1995-96.

During his time in Chicago, Soehn led the Fire in building a huge presence throughout Chicago's soccer communities in his dual role as Assistant Coach and Community Relations Coordinator within the Fire's front office. Soehn's vast community work also earned him the 2000 Chicago Fire/New York Life Humanitarian of the Year Award.

He and his wife Jean have four children, TJ, Payton, Sydney and Addison.