Jan. 17, 2007

DENVER - University of Denver men's head soccer coach Chad Ashton has resigned and accepted a position as assistant coach with D.C. United of Major League Soccer effective today, DU Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Recreation and Ritchie Center Operations Peg Bradley-Doppes announced today.

"Chad Ashton has been a great member of the DU athletics department and the Pioneers' community, and we are extremely sorry to see him go," Bradley-Doppes said. "However, D.C. United offers him a wonderful new coaching opportunity with new challenges, and all of us at DU wish him the best."

Ashton coached the DU men's soccer team for 10 seasons, the second longest tenure in the program's history behind only John Byrden's 15 years.

"I am excited to be taking a job with D.C. United of Major League Soccer, but I am so sad to be leaving a place that is so near to my heart," Ashton said. "I can't begin to tell you what a big piece of my life the University of Denver has been over the past 10 years, but I have created memories that will last my entire life."

Ashton's career record was 85-85-14, all as head coach of the Pioneers, and he was named the 2006 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation co-Coach of the Year after guiding his team to an 11-5-2 record. He also was voted the 2004 MPSF Coach of the Year after leading the Pioneers to a 12-5-1 record.

As a player, the Colorado native was an All-America selection with the University of North Carolina in 1988 and went on to play for six professional teams.

Assistant men's soccer coach Dave Thomas will serve as interim head coach until DU names Ashton's successor.