Liked Ben Olsen since the 90's but this is a terrible choice.

"But I come with fresh eyes, I don't necessarily know the women's game as much as many people in the soccer world do but that's ok too."

- Ben Olsen, President, Washington Spirit

No Ben, that is not in any way ok. If you know you don't know the women's game and are unqualified why did you take the job. Spirit owner is almost as awful as Washington football team owner.

Let’s all be kind and demand the best for players. Set expectations high. Amen. Regardless who is doing what

+1000 to the last two posts.

One of the fans' responses up in arms alluded to his sexual orientation. Umm... just because he's straight he's unqualified now? SMH.

He was a player thrust into coaching with no experience. It helps to not be politically attached to BS agendas. He will do fine. With the scrutiny he will not step out of line. He wouldn’t anyway. A non traditional exec is just what is needed. A maverick

All the men-hating women and some men that call themselves progressives hate the hiring? So what if he’s a friend of one of the owner/investors. The investor mentioned is one of the most progressive, accepting and dare I say liberal people involved. He got into this with other to boost women’s soccer and save the team because he believes in the women.

He is one that believes women should be paid equally - but to do so the revenues and sponsorships have to be there to support more pay and better benefits.

People decry a defense contractor as a sponsor? That money is going to the players to make them solvent and save the team while revenues are down. The firm is also progressive

Not only do progressive, equal rights lovers despise moves that are made by white men, they stand counter to everything they espouse.

Ok - he’s hired. Now hold him accountable and set your expectations high, high as they should be.

We accept you, why not accept him.

Anonymous wrote:What a warm welcome, what a joke.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nwsl-fans-slam-ben-olsen-144716277.html

“But I come with fresh eyes, I don’t necessarily know the women’s game as much as many people in the soccer world but that’s ok too.”

-Ben Olsen, President, Washington Spirit

What a warm welcome, what a joke.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nwsl-fans-slam-ben-olsen-144716277.html

He did a great job with getting support and approval for the new DC United stadium, and by all accounts is a really good guy. I expect this will be a good move for the team, though I’m not clear on what exactly the club President is responsible for.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What does Ben Olsen know about women's soccer?

Ownership makes crap coaching choices to fill the job as quickly as possible.

Yeah. Like Phil Neville didn't know anything either when he took over England?

Get over the freaking sexism. Men can coach women. Women can coach men.

Except about 50% of the population won't agree with that last sentence and it never seems to happen does it?

Anonymous wrote:What does Ben Olsen know about women's soccer?

Ownership makes crap coaching choices to fill the job as quickly as possible.

Yeah. Like Phil Neville didn't know anything either when he took over England?

Get over the freaking sexism. Men can coach women. Women can coach men.

Anonymous wrote:Most of you people are idiots.

Way to gently persuade people to see your point of view...

Agree

Most of you people are idiots. Can’t stand white men. Nice. As progressives you’re canniballizing g your own people by bashing the owners. They are all liberal, progressive whatever. Ben is a soccer guy who never planned on coaching and did amazing things as coach with limited resources. Hiring a person like him is a great decision because he is not a typical exec and knows the game. He will understand what is lacking in the club. The players don’t care if a man or a woman leads them they just want to win

Ben is a great choice

Also Kang - just because she is a major owner, someone prove she has it written in her shareholder agreement that she gets to be informed on personel. No way she does.

Is she going to the press and making a stink? Yep. Against her own club and investment? Yep.

As progressives you should be ashamed to take a stand against white men “just because”

Let it play out - I bet they do hire a female coach but as a fan I hope she’s the most qualified

You people are going to ruin your own club

Anonymous wrote:BTW, this is a sign that investor group is supportive of Baldwin, not Kang. So those of you hoping that the celebrity owners would back Kang are going to be disappointed.

Of course. Because the old boy network can't be dismantled overnight.

BTW, this is a sign that investor group is supportive of Baldwin, not Kang. So those of you hoping that the celebrity owners would back Kang are going to be disappointed.