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Princeton University Athletics
Tigers in the Pros
August 09, 1999 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 9, 1999
Given the long list of great soccer talent that has performed at Princeton, it is not surprising that a number of Princeton alums are making a big impact in the United States' top professional league, Major League Soccer (MLS). Here is a look at some former Princeton players involved in MLS.
- Bob Bradley '80
After a stint as an assistant with the D.C. United during its MLS championship season in 1996, Bradley accepted the head coaching position with the expansion Chicago Fire. Before joining the United, he was the head coach at Princeton for 12 years, taking the Tigers to three NCAA tournaments and a Final Four appearance in 1993.
As a player at Princeton, Bradley was a key component in the success of Bill Muse's 1979 team which went 12-4 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA playoffs. - Charlie Stillitano '81
Stillitano is currently the general manager of the NY/NJ Metrostars. Prior to that he was a venue director at the Meadowlands for the 1994 World Cup.
- Dave Vaudreuil '88
Vaudreuil is a defender for Colorado Rapids. He has played professionally, both indoor and outdoor since graduation.
- Chris Unger '90
After playing for the Metrostars during the 1996 season, Unger has retired from the field to the front office. He is now an assistant general manager with the Metrostars.
Gifted with the ball and an incredibly fast player, Unger helped the Tigers win an Ivy League championship in 1988.
- Joe Thieman '94
Thieman was a driving force behind Princeton's run to the Final Four in 1993. A four-year starter at center midfield, he piled up 25 career assists, second on Princeton's all-time list. A 1993 All-America, he was awarded the Roper Cup, given annually to Princeton's outstanding male senior athlete.
Thieman played the 1997 season with D.C. United, but is now enrolled in law school at Santa Clara University. - Jesse Marsch '96
As the team captain his senior year, Marsch led the 1995 Tigers to a 13-5 record and an NCAA appearance. He was named All-America after scoring 16 goals as a midfielder/forward that season.
Marsch was chosen by D.C. United as a developmental player in the first MLS College Draft, and went on to earn a spot on the roster. He is currently starting for his former coach, Bob Bradley, with the Chicago Fire. - Andrew Lewis '98
A defender for the Chicago Fire, Lewis helped the Tigers advance to the Final Four as a freshman in 1993. A tenacious defender with a great ability to break up plays and dominate the back, he also spent time with the under-20 U.S. National Team.