Ben Olsen

Benjamin Robert Olsen (born May 3, 1977) is an American soccer executive, coach and former player who is the head coach of Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer (MLS). He is best known for his long-term association with D.C. United, first as a player then as a coach. Olsen was formerly the president of Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Born in Middletown, Pennsylvania, Olsen grew up playing for FC Delco, an elite club program near Philadelphia. He then played for Virginia Cavaliers men's soccer and was named 1997 Soccer America Player of the Year. Olsen spent the vast majority of his professional career in the United States with D.C. United in Major League Soccer, and also had a loan spell with English side Nottingham Forest. He joined United straight out of college, and over the course of 12 seasons, 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. 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 in 2009.