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Posted by
Steve Bottjer,
January 18, 2013 |
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Email Steve Bottjer
Twitter @BottjerRNO |
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With Steven Goff of the The Washington Post reporting that Pat Onstad is stepping down as D.C. United’s goalkeepers coach in order to join Toronto FC’s coaching staff, it appears that the Reds will be adding a third Canadian to the team’s coaching staff alongside fellow former Canadian Internationals Jim Brennan and Jason Bent.
As a player, Onstad excelled while playing in the MLS for the San Jose Earthquakes, the Houston Dynamo and D.C. United. He also represented Canada 57 times at the International level.
Following his successful playing career, Onstad has been working as an Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper coach for D.C. United
Onstad previously worked for Toronto FC President & General Manager Kevin Payne while both were at D.C. in 2011 and 2012 and the two time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is widely credited with the progression and development of D.C. United keeper Bill Hamid, who excelled last year as a 22 year old and earned his first call-up to the United States national team in 2012.
Goff is reporting that Toronto will have to compensate United for Onstad’s move because he is under contract.
Stewart Kerr was Toronto FC’s goalkeeping coach under Aron Winter and Paul Mariner last season. Mariner was fired this month by Payne, who has been assertive in putting his stamp on Toronto since taking the helm of the club on November 27, 2012.
The news that Onstad will be joining Toronto FC comes in the same week that the Red’s drafted two promising Canadian players – Kyle Bekker and Emery Welshman – via the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, as Toronto FC’s Canadian identity looks to be growing rather than minimizing under the leadership of Payne.
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