By Bailey Knecht, News Correspondent
The Northeastern men’s soccer team has added a new member to its coaching ranks. Brendan Burke, who spent six years with the Major League Soccer (MLS) Philadelphia Union organization, has been named associate head coach. He will join head coach Brian Ainscough this upcoming season.
His duties will include college recruit scouting and opponent scouting in addition to traditional coaching responsibilities.
“I feel very lucky to have Brendan join our program,” Ainscough said. “I have known Brendan for a long time, both as a player and a coach, and have watched him develop and work at the highest level of soccer in the nation. Our players are the ones who will benefit the most from Brendan’s decision to join the staff. His on field presence and management skills are excellent, and he has a great understanding of what is needed for our players to make the jump to the pros.”
Burke graduated from Boston College in 2005 with a business degree. He was a four-year member of the men’s soccer team during his time there.
Before taking the job with Philadelphia, Burke took control of the franchise’s Premier Development League affiliate, Reading United, in January of 2008. He was the program’s assistant general manager and coach. During Burke’s time there, United reached the final four twice and earned the 2009 regular season championship. Reading has gone on to produce the most professional players of any PDL program.
Burke has also spent time with the Philadelphia Union Juniors Academy — the U.S. Youth Soccer League Academy which trains players from ages eight to 18.
Starting in January 2011, Burke spent three seasons as the first team assistant coach of the Union as the youngest assistant coach in Major League Soccer. His responsibilities included designing training plans and analyzing matches. He also worked with top university programs to prepare for the annual MLS Superdraft. A number of players have reached the top professional levels under Burke, including Andrew Wenger, the number one overall pick in the 2012 Superdraft.
Also starting in January 2011, Burke took responsibility of the Union reserve team and served as the assistant academy director. In this role, he implemented the training schedule, managed reserve team games and broke down film. He left the Union organization in January of this year.
“Brian and Adam [Pfeiffer] have done a tremendous job in getting the program to this point,” Burke said in GoNU.com’s release. “It seems like a great opportunity and a great time to join the program as it moves forward and continues to turn the corner and become nationally recognizable.”
The Northeastern soccer team went 6-9-3 last season and is graduating five seniors. Seven incoming freshmen will join Burke as new members of the team this season.
