Despite the fact that D.C. United had another early playoff exit in 2018, the front office decided that manager Ben Olsen did enough to get another contract extension. United announced on Thursday that Olsen received a three-year extension and will stay with the organization through 2021.
“This is a very important step for us,” – said owners Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan in a statement. “Ben is a special part of our club’s rich history and a major part of our future. He delivered one of his best performances as our on-field leader this past season, establishing a strong culture and winning foundation. We cannot wait to see what we can achieve together in the coming seasons.”
Ben Olsen has been with D.C. United in some capacity for the last 21 years, and serves as the team’s manager since August 2010. This makes him the second most-tenured head coach in the Major League Soccer behind Sporting Kansas City’s Peter Vermes.
“I am proud and humbled to have been associated with this club for the last 21 years.” – said Olsen after inking the deal. “I am thrilled that ownership has shown faith in the path my staff and I are taking with this extension. Our aim is to continue to put a team on the field that our fans and community will identify with and be proud of. The major goal, however, remains the same since the day I took the job and that’s to bring trophies back to D.C.”
Ben Olsen has a compiled a 111-75-130 record during his time with D.C., and has managed to get to the playoffs five times while winning Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2013. His biggest success in MLS Cup playoffs was Eastern Conference Championship game in 2015.
