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Princeton University Athletics
Marsch '96 Named Head Coach of New York Red Bulls
January 08, 2015 | Men's Soccer
HARRISON, N.J. (1/7/15) - Princeton University men's soccer alum and assistant coach Jesse Marsch '96 has been named the new head coach of the New York Red Bulls it was announced by the club this afternoon.
“I'm honored to be joining a franchise like the New York Red Bulls and I want to thank the organization for this opportunity,” Marsch said in the announcement made by the Red Bulls. “I'm excited to get going with our players and sporting staff as we prepare for the 2015 season.”
"On behalf of all of our players and coaches, I would like to thank Jesse for all that he has done for Princeton soccer over the past two seasons and wish him all the best as the new head coach for the Red Bulls," Princeton head coach Jim Barlow '91 said. "Jesse's knowledge of the game, his passion, his ability to connect with the players, his creativity, his competitiveness, his honesty - all of these qualities and many more have helped Princeton soccer a great deal.
One of the most decorated and respected players in the MLS, Marsch won three MLS Cup titles and four U.S. Open Cup medals during his 14-year MLS career. Drafted in 1996, Marsch was a member of DC United (96-97), the Chicago Fire (98-05) and Chivas USA (06-09). The midfielder played in 321 career games, ninth most by a field player in MLS history. He made 286 starts and scored 31 goals and 40 assists in 25,642 minutes. Prior to his retirement in 2010, Marsch was one of just four remaining MLS originals and was the first player to win three MLS titles.
Following his playing retirement, Marsch was hired by Bob Bradley '80 as an assistant coach for the US Men's National Team. Bradley was Marsch's coach at Princeton, at the Chicago Fire and Chivas USA. Marsch helped the US win its group at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first time the team won its pool since 1930, before finishing in 12th place. The US was the runner-up at the 2011 Gold Cup, losing to Mexico in the final.
In August 2011, Marsch was named the first head coach of MLS expansion team the Montreal Impact. He parted ways with the Impact in November 2012 after leading the Impact to the most successful inaugural MLS team record since Seattle's record 12 wins in 2009.
An All-America at Princeton, where he totaled 29 goals and 15 assists in four seasons, Marsch finished 1994 and 1995 as the Ivy League's leading scorer and was on the all-Ivy team both years. He led the Tigers to an NCAA appearance during his senior year, when he scored 16 goals.
Marsch was recently inducted in his hometown's Hall of Fame in Racine, Wis.
“On behalf of the New York Red Bulls, I'd like to welcome Jesse aboard as our new head coach,” said Sporting Director Ali Curtis. “We're excited to bring someone on who has both MLS and US Men's National Team coaching experience and we strongly believe he is the right candidate to lead our team going forward.”