- Thomas Rongen
Thomas Rongen (born
October 31 ,1956 inAmsterdam ) is a Dutchsoccer coach, currently the Sporting Director ofMajor League Soccer clubChivas USA and the coach of the U.S. U-20 team.Rongen began his playing career with
Ajax Amsterdam , with whom he playeddefensive midfielder and defender from 1975 to 1979 (Though he never played for the first team). Rongen moved to America in 1979, joining theLos Angeles Aztecs of theNorth American Soccer League . After playing with the Aztecs in 1979 and part of 1980, Rongen moved again to theWashington Diplomats for the end of the 1980 season. In 1981 he joined the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who he would coach in a later incarnation, and with whom he would remain, even after they moved toMinneapolis and became theMinnesota Strikers , until their demise in 1986.Rongen began his coaching career with the
Fort Lauderdale Strikers , whom he coached from 1989 to 1994. While coaching the Strikers during the summer, Rongen took another job as the head coach ofNova Southeastern University , which he headed from 1991 to 1995.Rongen was one of the inaugural coaches in MLS, coaching the
Tampa Bay Mutiny in their first season in 1996, with whom he won the MLS regular season, and also wonMLS Coach of the Year Award . After a year with the Mutiny, Rongen moved to theNew England Revolution , which he would coach in 1997 and 1998. After the Revolution, Rongen succeededBruce Arena as the head coach ofD.C. United , which he would lead to anMLS Cup in 1999. However, Rongen lost his job with United in 2001, and was replaced withRay Hudson .Upon leaving United, Rongen was appointed head coach of the Under-20
United States men's national soccer team , which he coached from 2001 to his appointment as head coach of Chivas USA for the team's inaugural season in 2005. However, ten games into the season, with the team's record standing at one win, one tie, and eight losses, he was let go of his head coaching duties.Rongen was appointed head coach of the Under-20 United States men's national team again in 2006 and led the team to the
2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup .
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