Fénix 89 Red: News: About Our Coaches
Though the players deserve most of the credit for the Fénix success to date, the team has been greatly influenced by group of terrific coaches, Leighton O'Brien, Pete Rasch and Eugene Poublon.
Leighton played college soccer at the University of San Diego and was drafted by the New England Revolution in the third round of the 1999 MLS College Draft. He has played professional soccer with the San Jose Clash and the Real Salt Lake in the MLS and for Bodens BK in Sweden, but his greatest impact has been with the Seattle Sounders.
In 2003 while playing for the Sounders he led the A league in assists and was named league MVP. His free kick in the 2005 USL-1 Final started what would become Seattle Sounders tieing goal. His kick was redirected twice before Maykel Galindo scored Seattle's goal in a 1-1 draw with Richmond Kickers. Leighton then scored one of four penalty kicks for Seattle as they won the 2005 Championship in PK's.
Leighton coached Fenix before in the fall of 2004, helping the team make it into P1. He rejoined the team in Decmeber 2006 and brings his great tactitial skills to the coaching staff. Serving again as the head coach, Leighton runs intense practices with a focus on high level fitness, fostering greater field awareness and quick and decisive play.
Eugene played six years for one of the top professional clubs in the world, AFC Ajax, spending two years in the youth program and four years as an adult on the Zaterdag 1, the team directly below the Ajax reserves. Eugene earned his USSF National B License in the summer of 1999, and his A License in the summer of 2000.
Eugene joined the Fénix team in 2002 and took over as head coach in 2004 after a successful run with the Parrots which included two state championships. While Eugene is spending more time with his NWN teams these days, Fénix plays with an clear Poublon flair, and he stays in close touch as a friend and permanent member of our soccer family.
Pete played soccer for the University of Washington and is well known by experienced soccer players throughout the Seattle area as a quick and crafty opponent or teammate. He has coached the Fénix team since U11, has put together a remarkable record of accomplishments with the team, and now frequently works with the defenders on tactics and technique. Pete is the glue that binds the Fénix team together.
