Ben Olsen
Encyclopedia
Benjamin Robert "Ben" Olsen (born May 3, 1977) is a former American
professional soccer player and the current manager of D.C. United
. Born in Harrisburg
, Pennsylvania
, Olsen grew up playing for FC Delco, an elite club program near Philadelphia. He later attended the University of Virginia
, when he was named 1997 Soccer America Player of the Year.
Olsen spent the majority of his professional career in the United States with D.C. United
in Major League Soccer
, which he joined straight out of college. Over the course of 12 seasons with United, Olsen made 221 appearances, scoring 29 goals and making 49 assists. During that time he won two MLS Cup
titles, two MLS Supporters' Shields
and one U.S. Open Cup winners medal. His individual honors include two-time MLS All-Star
, 1998 MLS Rookie of the Year, MLS Cup '99 MVP and 2007 MLS Best XI
.
Olsen also earned 37 caps
with the United States men's national team
, winning the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup
and representing the United States at the 2006 FIFA World Cup
.
Olsen announced his retirement from professional competition on November 24, 2009.
, which was less than one mile from the Three Mile Island accident
in 1979. He played his youth soccer for premier team FC Delco, where he was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame. Olsen attended Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary School and Middletown Area High School
in Middletown, Pennsylvania
, where he was named Parade
magazine's National High School Player of the Year in 1993.
Olsen was motivated to play college soccer
at the University of Virginia
because the team had just won four NCAA Division I Championships and was coached by Bruce Arena
, who had previously coached Olsen when he was 14 to 15 years old. While at UVA the Cavaliers
won two Final Four
s and two ACC Men's Soccer Tournament
s with Olsen being honored as the ACC Tournament MVP in 1997. In that same year the Cavaliers advanced to the NCAA final after Olsen scored two goals to lift the Cavaliers 3-1 over the St. Louis Billikens
in the semifinal round. In his three-year career he tallied 34 goals, 41 assists and 109 total points. During his junior year he was named the 1997 Soccer America Player of the Year.
on December 27, 1997, shortly after finishing his junior season at UVA. In 1998 Olsen excelled as a right midfielder with United. During his inaugural season he earned a starting spot and scored 4 goals and made 8 assists. These accomplishments earned him the 1998 MLS Rookie of the Year Award
and supported the team as it won the 1998 CONCACAF Champions Cup
and 1998 InterAmerican Cup
.
During Olsen's second season with United he scored 5 goals and made 11 assists over 26 games, which contributed to United earning the 1999 Supporters' Shield on the way to winning MLS Cup '99. It was United's third MLS Cup
victory in the first four years of the league. Olsen was especially happy to win the championhsip game after losing MLS Cup '98 to the Chicago Fire.
Although he scored a goal in the extra time of the first half, Olsen believed the honor of MLS Cup '99 MVP should be shared equally with his teammates, including Marco Etcheverry
and Jaime Moreno
.
Olsen's third season began well, but a collision with Chicago Fire goalkeeper Zach Thornton
caused an ankle injury that kept Ben out of much of the second half of the season, limiting him to 13 starts and only 1 goal and 3 assists on the year. After he recovered from the ankle injury in late 2000, Olsen was loaned by United to Nottingham Forest
of the English First Division
, where he immediately impressed and soon became a fan favorite. As a transfer became increasingly likely, Olsen severely fractured his ankle during a December game. During his 18 month absence Olsen required four surgeries and continuous rehabilitation. He finally returned in July of 2002 and was able to finish the season with 7 starts and 10 games played.
In 2003 Olsen completed a full season with United for the first time in four years. He started 26 games for the team, while scoring 4 goals and making 7 assists. Although his speed was limited do to his injuries and surgeries, Olsen was able to adapt to a new position as a center midfielder. It was here that Olsen spent his time in 2004 as well, starting 25 games for United, scoring 3 goals and 4 assists. He scored 2 goals and 4 assists in 2005.
D.C. United needed Olsen back at wide midfielder for the 2007 season, and he responded well. He served as Captain when Jaime Moreno
was away on national team duty, scored his first career hat trick in a 4-2 win over New York Red Bulls on June 10, and enjoyed his best season in MLS. He ended the year with seven goals and seven assists and was named to the MLS Best XI team. Olsen had surgery on both of his ankles in Baltimore
on November 5, 2007.
Ankle problems again sidelined Olsen for the beginning of the 2008 MLS season, and there was speculation that his career was in jeopardy. Despite said problems, Ben Olsen was able to make one MLS appearance against the Los Angeles Galaxy
on June 28, 2008. The crowd greeted him with the loudest ovation of the day and a tifo that read "Ben Olsen" and "Heart Of A Lion". After playing just 15 minutes Olsen responded to the media by stating, "It wasn't great; I was like a wounded animal out there." On July, 7 2008 Olsen underwent another ankle surgery.
Olsen was able to continue his career during the 2009 season
in a defensive midfield role, scoring the tying goal in stoppage time of a 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution
. On May 2, 2009 Olsen injured himself during a game against FC Dallas
, which led him to be substituted out during the second half. After skipping two matches he played against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center on May 16, 2009. Six minutes into that match he aggravated his hamstring.
Olsen at one time seemed like the right midfielder of the future for the US national team
, as he received his first cap soon after his Rookie of the Year season, on November 6, 1998 against Australia, and he was a significant player for the team in the 1999 season. He scored his first international goal during his first international start, which was against Chile
on February 21, 1999. As the youngest player on the team. He received a cross from Brian McBride
during the 58th minute. He then hit a side volley past goalie Marcelo Ramirez
into the left corner of the goal. In 1999 he earned the U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year award. However, the injuries that kept him out of club play also seriously damaged his aspirations for the national team.
Despite those injuries he was able to compete in the 2000 Summer Olympics
for the United States, which placed fourth overall in the competition. Olsen's third career international goal earned the United States a tie with Tunisia during an international friendly in preparation for World Cup qualifying. He scored in injury time when John O'Brien passed him the ball after a corner kick.
After moving to a controlling midfield position, Olsen was one of the selections on Bruce Arena's 2006 FIFA World Cup
roster, having scored goals in the US team's early 2006 win over Guatemala
and in an April draw with Jamaica. Olsen earned 35 caps in all, scoring 6 goals for the USA. Olsen made his lone World Cup appearance against Ghana
in a 2-1 loss, replacing an injured Claudio Reyna
.
that he was committed to playing another year. At the time of his retirement Olsen ranked second in games played, minutes played, game-winning goals, third in assists and shots on goal for United.
His retirement prompted numerous expressions of appreciation. On the same day he announced his retirement the Washington Wizards
saluted Olsen at the end of the third quarter. In his honor the Wizards announced $14 tickets to a game against the Philadelphia 76ers
, which reflected Olsen's jersey number for United.
. On August 5, following a league-worst 3-12-3 start to the season, head coach Curt Onlafo was fired. Subsequently, Olsen was named interim head coach and completed the season with a 3-8-1 record. Although United officials interviewed at least seven candidates, including Hertha Berlin manager Lucien Favre
, the club inevitably appointed Olsen to the head coaching position. United made a public announcement on November 29, 2010 and held a press conference in the same room Olsen had announced his retirement one year and one month earlier. Olsen signed a three-year guaranteed contract that made him United's seventh head coach in club history and youngest full-time head coach in the league's 15 year history. This occurred despite the fact that United President and CEO Kevin Payne had continuously ruled him out during months leading up to the decision.
In a promotion for the upcoming 2011 season
, United gave away free half-smoke
s in conjunction with Ben's Chili Bowl
, which was renamed "Ben Olsen's Chili Bowl" for one hour on March 17, 2011 .
, in 2005. He is married to Megan Schoen, a teacher at Takoma Park Middle School
. The two wed in Negril, Jamaica in December 2006. Their wedding was featured in Brides Magazine. Megan gave birth to their daughter, Ruby, on September 30, 2008.
The couple would later feature in a popular TV commercial for Dick's Sporting Goods
, in which Olsen enjoys an impromptu soccer skills exhibition with fellow MLS players Brian Ching
, Duilio Davino
and Christian Gómez
, before he and Megan chase their screen son, "Dawson", out of the store when he has the temerity to ask for a David Beckham
jersey.
Olsen has rented out the apartment below his Northwest, Washington, D.C. town house to numerous teammates, including to D.C. United
goalkeeper Zach Wells
during the 2008 season.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional soccer player and the current manager of D.C. United
D.C. United
D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
. Born in Harrisburg
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 49,528, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, Olsen grew up playing for FC Delco, an elite club program near Philadelphia. He later attended the University of Virginia
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
, when he was named 1997 Soccer America Player of the Year.
Olsen spent the majority of his professional career in the United States with D.C. United
D.C. United
D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
in Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
, which he joined straight out of college. Over the course of 12 seasons with United, Olsen made 221 appearances, scoring 29 goals and making 49 assists. During that time he won two MLS Cup
MLS Cup
The MLS Cup is the championship match of Major League Soccer, the highest tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. As the final match of the MLS Cup playoffs, the winner is crowned the season champion in the same manner as other North American sports leagues...
titles, two MLS Supporters' Shields
MLS Supporters' Shield
The Supporters' Shield is an annual award given to the Major League Soccer team with the best regular season record, as determined by the MLS points system...
and one U.S. Open Cup winners medal. His individual honors include two-time MLS All-Star
Major League Soccer All-Star Game
The MLS All-Star Game is an annual soccer game held by Major League Soccer featuring selected players from the league against various competitors...
, 1998 MLS Rookie of the Year, MLS Cup '99 MVP and 2007 MLS Best XI
MLS Best XI
The MLS Best XI is an acknowledgement of the best eleven players in the league in a given season for Major League Soccer in Canada and the United States.-Winners:*Players in bold text also won the Major League Soccer MVP Award award for that season....
.
Olsen also earned 37 caps
Cap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
with the United States men's national team
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
, winning the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup
2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup
The 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the eighth edition of the Gold Cup, the football championship of North America, Central America and the Caribbean . It was contested in the United States in July 2005. The United States emerged victorious in the final against an upstart Panama team led by tournament...
and representing the United States at the 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
.
Olsen announced his retirement from professional competition on November 24, 2009.
Youth and College
Olsen grew up in Middletown, PennsylvaniaMiddletown, Pennsylvania
Middletown is the name of more than one location in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania:*Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania: 17057, of the Harrisburg metropolitan area*Middletown, Northampton County, Pennsylvania: 18017...
, which was less than one mile from the Three Mile Island accident
Three Mile Island accident
The Three Mile Island accident was a core meltdown in Unit 2 of the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania near Harrisburg, United States in 1979....
in 1979. He played his youth soccer for premier team FC Delco, where he was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame. Olsen attended Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary School and Middletown Area High School
Middletown Area School District
Middletown Area School District, is a public school district located in Middletown, Pennsylvania serving students in southern Dauphin County. The district includes the boroughs of Middletown and Royalton and Lower Swatara Township in Dauphin County. Middletown Area School District encompasses...
in Middletown, Pennsylvania
Middletown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania
Middletown is a borough in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on the Susquehanna River, nine miles southeast of Harrisburg. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, where he was named Parade
Parade (magazine)
Parade is an American nationwide Sunday newspaper magazine, distributed in more than 500 newspapers in the United States. It was founded in 1941 and is owned by Advance Publications. The most widely read magazine in the U.S., Parade has a circulation of 32.2 million and a readership of nearly 70...
magazine's National High School Player of the Year in 1993.
Olsen was motivated to play college soccer
College soccer
College soccer is a term used to describe association football played by teams who are operated by colleges and universities as opposed to a professional league operated for exclusively financial purposes...
at the University of Virginia
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
because the team had just won four NCAA Division I Championships and was coached by Bruce Arena
Bruce Arena
Bruce Arena is a former coach of the United States men's national soccer team as well as a former professional soccer and lacrosse player...
, who had previously coached Olsen when he was 14 to 15 years old. While at UVA the Cavaliers
Virginia Cavaliers men's soccer
The Virginia Cavaliers men's soccer team represent the University of Virginia in all NCAA Division I men's soccer competitions. The team is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference....
won two Final Four
Final four
Final Four isa sports term that is commonly applied to the last four teams remaining in a playoff tournament, most notably NCAA Division I college basketball tournaments. The term usually refers to the four teams who compete in the two games of a single-elimination tournament's semi-final round...
s and two ACC Men's Soccer Tournament
ACC Men's Soccer Tournament
The ACC Men's Soccer Tournament is the conference championship tournament in soccer for the Atlantic Coast Conference . The tournament has been held every year since 1987. It is a single-elimination tournament and seeding is based on regular season records...
s with Olsen being honored as the ACC Tournament MVP in 1997. In that same year the Cavaliers advanced to the NCAA final after Olsen scored two goals to lift the Cavaliers 3-1 over the St. Louis Billikens
Saint Louis Billikens men's soccer
The Saint Louis Billikens men's soccer team is an intercollegiate varsity sports team of Saint Louis University. The Billikens compete in the Atlantic 10 Conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I...
in the semifinal round. In his three-year career he tallied 34 goals, 41 assists and 109 total points. During his junior year he was named the 1997 Soccer America Player of the Year.
Professional
Olsen entered the league as a Project-40 player, and was allocated to D.C. UnitedD.C. United
D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
on December 27, 1997, shortly after finishing his junior season at UVA. In 1998 Olsen excelled as a right midfielder with United. During his inaugural season he earned a starting spot and scored 4 goals and made 8 assists. These accomplishments earned him the 1998 MLS Rookie of the Year Award
MLS Rookie of the Year Award
In the United States, Major League Soccer has handed out a Rookie of the Year Award since its inception in 1996. MLS, as opposed to other American sports leagues like Major League Baseball, only designates a player as a rookie if the player has had no prior professional experience...
and supported the team as it won the 1998 CONCACAF Champions Cup
CONCACAF Champions League
The CONCACAF Champions League is the annual international club football championship for teams from the CONCACAF region ....
and 1998 InterAmerican Cup
Copa Interamericana
Copa Interamericana was a football trophy contested between the champions of CONMEBOL's Copa Libertadores de América and the winners of CONCACAF's Champions' Cup...
.
During Olsen's second season with United he scored 5 goals and made 11 assists over 26 games, which contributed to United earning the 1999 Supporters' Shield on the way to winning MLS Cup '99. It was United's third MLS Cup
MLS Cup
The MLS Cup is the championship match of Major League Soccer, the highest tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. As the final match of the MLS Cup playoffs, the winner is crowned the season champion in the same manner as other North American sports leagues...
victory in the first four years of the league. Olsen was especially happy to win the championhsip game after losing MLS Cup '98 to the Chicago Fire.
Although he scored a goal in the extra time of the first half, Olsen believed the honor of MLS Cup '99 MVP should be shared equally with his teammates, including Marco Etcheverry
Marco Etcheverry
Marco Antonio Etcheverry Vargas is a retired Bolivian footballer, considered one of the greatest Bolivian players of all time.-Career:...
and Jaime Moreno
Jaime Moreno
Jaime Moreno Morales is a former Bolivian footballer now serving as Youth Academy Technical Training Coach for D.C. United in Major League Soccer, and as the head coach of D.C. United's U-23 side....
.
Olsen's third season began well, but a collision with Chicago Fire goalkeeper Zach Thornton
Zach Thornton
Zach Thornton is an American soccer player who currently plays for Chivas USA in Major League Soccer.-Youth and college:...
caused an ankle injury that kept Ben out of much of the second half of the season, limiting him to 13 starts and only 1 goal and 3 assists on the year. After he recovered from the ankle injury in late 2000, Olsen was loaned by United to Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest F.C.
Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
of the English First Division
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, where he immediately impressed and soon became a fan favorite. As a transfer became increasingly likely, Olsen severely fractured his ankle during a December game. During his 18 month absence Olsen required four surgeries and continuous rehabilitation. He finally returned in July of 2002 and was able to finish the season with 7 starts and 10 games played.
In 2003 Olsen completed a full season with United for the first time in four years. He started 26 games for the team, while scoring 4 goals and making 7 assists. Although his speed was limited do to his injuries and surgeries, Olsen was able to adapt to a new position as a center midfielder. It was here that Olsen spent his time in 2004 as well, starting 25 games for United, scoring 3 goals and 4 assists. He scored 2 goals and 4 assists in 2005.
D.C. United needed Olsen back at wide midfielder for the 2007 season, and he responded well. He served as Captain when Jaime Moreno
Jaime Moreno
Jaime Moreno Morales is a former Bolivian footballer now serving as Youth Academy Technical Training Coach for D.C. United in Major League Soccer, and as the head coach of D.C. United's U-23 side....
was away on national team duty, scored his first career hat trick in a 4-2 win over New York Red Bulls on June 10, and enjoyed his best season in MLS. He ended the year with seven goals and seven assists and was named to the MLS Best XI team. Olsen had surgery on both of his ankles in Baltimore
Baltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
on November 5, 2007.
Ankle problems again sidelined Olsen for the beginning of the 2008 MLS season, and there was speculation that his career was in jeopardy. Despite said problems, Ben Olsen was able to make one MLS appearance against the Los Angeles Galaxy
Los Angeles Galaxy
The Los Angeles Galaxy are an American professional soccer team, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California, which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, and the league's second...
on June 28, 2008. The crowd greeted him with the loudest ovation of the day and a tifo that read "Ben Olsen" and "Heart Of A Lion". After playing just 15 minutes Olsen responded to the media by stating, "It wasn't great; I was like a wounded animal out there." On July, 7 2008 Olsen underwent another ankle surgery.
Olsen was able to continue his career during the 2009 season
2009 Major League Soccer season
The 2009 Major League Soccer season was the 14th season of Major League Soccer. The season began on March 19 and ended with Real Salt Lake winning the MLS Cup 2009, on November 22 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington-Changes from the 2008 season:...
in a defensive midfield role, scoring the tying goal in stoppage time of a 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution
New England Revolution
The New England Revolution is an American professional association football club based in Foxborough, Massachusetts which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada...
. On May 2, 2009 Olsen injured himself during a game against FC Dallas
FC Dallas
FC Dallas is an American professional soccer club based in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, Texas which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States of America and Canada...
, which led him to be substituted out during the second half. After skipping two matches he played against Chivas USA at the Home Depot Center on May 16, 2009. Six minutes into that match he aggravated his hamstring.
International
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
, as he received his first cap soon after his Rookie of the Year season, on November 6, 1998 against Australia, and he was a significant player for the team in the 1999 season. He scored his first international goal during his first international start, which was against Chile
Chile national football team
The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federación de Fútbol de Chile which was established in 1895. They have appeared in eight World Cup tournaments and were hosts of the 1962 FIFA World Cup finishing in...
on February 21, 1999. As the youngest player on the team. He received a cross from Brian McBride
Brian McBride
Brian Robert McBride is a retired American soccer player who finished his career for Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer , but spent the majority of his time in MLS playing for the Columbus Crew. For much of his career he played in Europe, notably for Fulham in the English Premier League...
during the 58th minute. He then hit a side volley past goalie Marcelo Ramirez
Marcelo Ramírez
Marcelo Antonio Ramírez Gormaz is a retired Chilean football goalkeeper. He who was capped 37 times for the Chilean national team between 1993 and 2001, and was an unused substitute player for the 1998 FIFA World Cup...
into the left corner of the goal. In 1999 he earned the U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year award. However, the injuries that kept him out of club play also seriously damaged his aspirations for the national team.
Despite those injuries he was able to compete in the 2000 Summer Olympics
Football at the 2000 Summer Olympics
The football tournament at the 2000 Summer Olympics was the 20th official Olympic football tournament. A women's tournament was held for the second time.-Medal winners:-Venues:*Olympic Stadium, Sydney*Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney*Bruce Stadium, Canberra...
for the United States, which placed fourth overall in the competition. Olsen's third career international goal earned the United States a tie with Tunisia during an international friendly in preparation for World Cup qualifying. He scored in injury time when John O'Brien passed him the ball after a corner kick.
After moving to a controlling midfield position, Olsen was one of the selections on Bruce Arena's 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
roster, having scored goals in the US team's early 2006 win over Guatemala
Guatemala national football team
The Guatemala national football team is the association football team representing the country of Guatemala and is controlled by the Federación Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala. Founded in 1919, it affiliated to FIFA in 1946, and it is a member of CONCACAF....
and in an April draw with Jamaica. Olsen earned 35 caps in all, scoring 6 goals for the USA. Olsen made his lone World Cup appearance against Ghana
Ghana national football team
The Ghana national football team, popularly known as the Black Stars, is the national association football team of Ghana and is controlled by the Ghana Football Association...
in a 2-1 loss, replacing an injured Claudio Reyna
Claudio Reyna
Claudio Reyna is a retired American soccer player and the current USSF US Youth Soccer Technical Director. He was the captain of the United States national team before retiring from international football following the USA's exit from the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He is widely considered one of the...
.
International goals
| Goal | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 21, 1999 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida Fort Lauderdale, Florida Fort Lauderdale is a city in the U.S. state of Florida, on the Atlantic coast. It is the county seat of Broward County. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 165,521. It is a principal city of the South Florida metropolitan area, which was home to 5,564,635 people at the 2010... |
2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly match | |
| 2 | July 30, 1999 | Guadalajara Guadalajara Guadalajara may refer to:In Mexico:*Guadalajara, Jalisco, the capital of the state of Jalisco and second largest city in Mexico**Guadalajara Metropolitan Area*University of Guadalajara, a public university in Guadalajara, Jalisco... , Mexico Mexico The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of... |
2–0 | 2–0 | 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup -Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Third place play-off:-Final:-Awards:-Top scorers:6 goals Cuauhtémoc Blanco Marzouq Al-Otaibi Ronaldinho4 goals Alex3 goals José Manuel Abundis Zé Roberto-Notes:... |
|
| 3 | March 12, 2000 | Birmingham, Alabama Birmingham, Alabama Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S... |
1–1 | 1–1 | Friendly match | |
| 4 | November 17, 2002 | Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution.... |
1–0 | 2–0 | Friendly match | |
| 5 | Feb 19, 2006 | Frisco, Texas Frisco, Texas Frisco is an affluent city in Collin and Denton Counties in the U.S. state of Texas and a rapidly growing suburb of Dallas. As of the 2010 Census, 116,989 people were living in Frisco up from 33,714 in the previous census. Frisco was the fastest growing city in the United States in 2009, and also... |
1–0 | 4–0 | Friendly match | |
| 6 | April 11, 2006 | Cary, North Carolina Cary, North Carolina Cary is a large town and suburb of Raleigh, North Carolina in Wake and Chatham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located almost entirely in Wake County, it is the second largest municipality in that county and the third largest municipality in The Triangle after Raleigh and Durham... |
1–1 | 1–1 | Friendly match |
Retirement
United announced Olsen's retirement from professional competition on October 24, 2009. Only three days earlier Olsen stated in an online chat hosted by The Washington PostThe Washington Post
The Washington Post is Washington, D.C.'s largest newspaper and its oldest still-existing paper, founded in 1877. Located in the capital of the United States, The Post has a particular emphasis on national politics. D.C., Maryland, and Virginia editions are printed for daily circulation...
that he was committed to playing another year. At the time of his retirement Olsen ranked second in games played, minutes played, game-winning goals, third in assists and shots on goal for United.
His retirement prompted numerous expressions of appreciation. On the same day he announced his retirement the Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., previously known as Washington Bullets. They play in the National Basketball Association .-Early years:...
saluted Olsen at the end of the third quarter. In his honor the Wizards announced $14 tickets to a game against the Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are a professional basketball team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . Originally known as the Syracuse Nationals, they are one of the oldest franchises in the NBA...
, which reflected Olsen's jersey number for United.
Coaching
On January 5, 2010 United announced that Olsen would continue to work for United as an assistant coach under head coach Curt OnalfoCurt Onalfo
Curt Onalfo is an American former soccer player.As a player, he played two seasons in France, two in the USISL, one in Mexico and four in Major League Soccer, achieving his most success with Los Angeles Galaxy and D.C. United. He earned also earned one caps with the United States national team...
. On August 5, following a league-worst 3-12-3 start to the season, head coach Curt Onlafo was fired. Subsequently, Olsen was named interim head coach and completed the season with a 3-8-1 record. Although United officials interviewed at least seven candidates, including Hertha Berlin manager Lucien Favre
Lucien Favre
Lucien Favre is a football manager and former Swiss international player. He is the current head coach of Borussia Mönchengladbach.- Playing career :...
, the club inevitably appointed Olsen to the head coaching position. United made a public announcement on November 29, 2010 and held a press conference in the same room Olsen had announced his retirement one year and one month earlier. Olsen signed a three-year guaranteed contract that made him United's seventh head coach in club history and youngest full-time head coach in the league's 15 year history. This occurred despite the fact that United President and CEO Kevin Payne had continuously ruled him out during months leading up to the decision.
In a promotion for the upcoming 2011 season
2011 D.C. United season
The 2011 D.C. United season was the club's 17th year of existence, their 16th season in Major League Soccer, and their 16th consecutive season in the top-flight of American soccer. D.C. United will be trying to salvage a poor showing last season, finishing at the bottom of the MLS standings...
, United gave away free half-smoke
Half-smoke
A half-smoke is a "local sausage delicacy" found in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding region. Similar to a hot dog, but usually larger, spicier, and with more coarsely-ground meat, the sausage is often half-pork and half-beef, smoked, and served with a bevy of herbs, onion, and chili...
s in conjunction with Ben's Chili Bowl
Ben's Chili Bowl
Ben's Chili Bowl is a landmark restaurant in Washington, D.C., located at 1213 U Street, next to Lincoln Theatre, in the Shaw neighborhood of northwest D.C. It is known locally for its chili dogs, half-smokes, and milkshakes, and has been an integral part of the neighborhood's history since its...
, which was renamed "Ben Olsen's Chili Bowl" for one hour on March 17, 2011 .
Personal
Olsen is a licensed minister and presided over the nuptials of his then-teammate, Nick RimandoNick Rimando
Nicholas Paul "Nick" Rimando is an American soccer player who currently plays for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer and the United States national team-College:...
, in 2005. He is married to Megan Schoen, a teacher at Takoma Park Middle School
Takoma Park Middle School
Takoma Park Middle School is a public middle school in Takoma Park in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. TPMS contains a total of 18 academic departments, as well as a specialized magnet program...
. The two wed in Negril, Jamaica in December 2006. Their wedding was featured in Brides Magazine. Megan gave birth to their daughter, Ruby, on September 30, 2008.
The couple would later feature in a popular TV commercial for Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. , or Dick's, is a Fortune 500 American corporation in the sporting goods and retail industries.The company's headquarters are on the grounds of Pittsburgh International Airport in Findlay Township near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dick's has 451 stores in 42 states as of...
, in which Olsen enjoys an impromptu soccer skills exhibition with fellow MLS players Brian Ching
Brian Ching
Brian Ching is an American professional soccer forward currently playing for the Montreal Impact of Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
, Duilio Davino
Duilio Davino
Duilio César Jean Pierre Davino Rodríguez is a Mexican football defender who plays for Estudiantes Tecos of the Primera Division de Mexico....
and Christian Gómez
Christian Gómez
Christian Gómez is an Argentine footballer currently playing for Nueva Chicago.-Argentina:Gómez began playing professional soccer at the age of 17 with Argentine club Nueva Chicago, which was at the time playing in the second division. He played with the team from 1991 to 1996, appearing in 155...
, before he and Megan chase their screen son, "Dawson", out of the store when he has the temerity to ask for a David Beckham
David Beckham
David Robert Joseph Beckham, OBE is an English footballer who plays midfield for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer, having previously played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, and A.C...
jersey.
Olsen has rented out the apartment below his Northwest, Washington, D.C. town house to numerous teammates, including to D.C. United
D.C. United
D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
goalkeeper Zach Wells
Zach Wells
Zach Wells is a retired American soccer goalkeeper.-College:...
during the 2008 season.
D.C. United
- Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
Supporter's Shield (3): 1999, 2006, 20072007 Major League Soccer seasonThe 2007 Major League Soccer season was the 12th season in league history. The season began on April 7 and concluded with MLS Cup 2007 on November 18, 2007 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C..... - Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
MLS Cup (2): 1999, 2004 - Major League SoccerMajor League SoccerMajor League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
Eastern Conference Championship (3): 1998, 1999, 2004 - Lamar Hunt U.S. Open CupLamar Hunt U.S. Open CupThe Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament in American soccer. The tournament is the oldest ongoing American soccer competition and is presently open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams, from amateur adult club teams to the professional clubs of Major League...
(1): 20082008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup-Schedule:Note: Scorelines use the standard U.S. convention of placing the home team on the right-hand side of box scores.-First round:-----Second round:-----Third round:----... - CONCACAF Champions' Cup (1): 1998
- Copa InteramericanaCopa InteramericanaCopa Interamericana was a football trophy contested between the champions of CONMEBOL's Copa Libertadores de América and the winners of CONCACAF's Champions' Cup...
(1): 19981998 Copa InteramericanaThe 1998 Copa Interamericana was the 18th and final staging of this competition. The final took place between DC United and Vasco da Gama and was staged over two legs on 14 November 1998 and 5 December 1998. DC United won their first Copa Interamericana...
Individual
- MLS Best XIMLS Best XIThe MLS Best XI is an acknowledgement of the best eleven players in the league in a given season for Major League Soccer in Canada and the United States.-Winners:*Players in bold text also won the Major League Soccer MVP Award award for that season....
: 2007 - MLS Rookie of the YearMLS Rookie of the Year AwardIn the United States, Major League Soccer has handed out a Rookie of the Year Award since its inception in 1996. MLS, as opposed to other American sports leagues like Major League Baseball, only designates a player as a rookie if the player has had no prior professional experience...
: 1998 - MLS Cup MVPMLS CupThe MLS Cup is the championship match of Major League Soccer, the highest tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. As the final match of the MLS Cup playoffs, the winner is crowned the season champion in the same manner as other North American sports leagues...
: 1999
See also
- List of current MLS coaches
- All-time D.C. United rosterAll-time D.C. United rosterThis list comprises all players who have participated in at least one league match for D.C. United since the team's first Major League Soccer season in 1996. Players who were on the roster but never played in an MLS game are not listed.-Players:...
External links
- D.C. United player profile
- D.C. United coaching profile
- MLS player profile
- USSF player profile
- SoccerTimes Interview while on loan to Nottingham Forest F.C.Nottingham Forest F.C.Nottingham Forest Football Club is an English Association Football club based in West Bridgford, Nottingham, that plays in the Football League Championship...
- D.C. Style Mag Interview
- The Blog Show featuring the "Heart of a Lion" tifoTifoTifo, originally the Italian word for the phenomenon of supporting a sport team, is mostly used as a name for any spectacular choreography displayed by supporters on the terraces of an arena or stadium in connection with a sport event, mostly a football match....
displayed on June 28, 2008 - Behind the Column: Ben Olsen A video interview with Olsen at his home in May, 2008
- Live Washington Post Q&A before the 2008 season
- Ben's Breakdown on October 16, 2007 discussing winning the 2007 Supporters' Shield2007 Major League Soccer seasonThe 2007 Major League Soccer season was the 12th season in league history. The season began on April 7 and concluded with MLS Cup 2007 on November 18, 2007 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.....