SLU Names Sorber Assistant Men's Soccer Coach

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis University men's head soccer coach Dan Donigan today named former Billiken Mike Sorber as his assistant coach. Sorber has retired from Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire to join the Billikens' coaching staff.

"Mike's retirement in what is still the prime of his professional career to grab the opportunity to begin his coaching career at Saint Louis University speaks volumes about the tradition of Billiken soccer," Donigan said. "His status as a National Team player combined with his reputation within the St. Louis soccer community should be beneficial to our recruiting efforts both locally and nationally."

Sorber is one of the most capped players in U.S. history with 67 appearances for the National Team. His 67 caps rank him in the top 20 all-time for the U.S. side. Sorber started all four games for the U.S. during the 1994 World Cup.

After his stellar World Cup performance, Sorber played two seasons for UNAM Pumas in Mexico. He became the first American to earn All-Star status in Mexico's First Division.

Sorber began his MLS career with Kansas City during the league's inaugural 1996 season. He was traded in the off-season to the NY/NJ Metrostars and appeared in 74 matches over three seasons with the Metrostars. The Fire acquired Sorber in a trade during the 2000 season, and he helped Chicago win the Central Division title and reach the MLS Cup final. In 116 career MLS appearances, he started 106 matches and totaled 37 points (9G, 19A).

"This is something that I've always wanted to do, and it was important for me to take advantage of it and move forward into the next chapter of my life," Sorber said. "Saint Louis University was the springboard for me to reach the National Team and play in the World Cup. It's like family to me, and it will be great to give back to the community."

The 29-year-old St. Louis native was a 1992 Hermann Trophy finalist during his senior year at Saint Louis. He was a four-year standout for the Billikens and was a central figure in the Bills' drive to the 1991 national semifinals. He finished his Billiken career with 55 points (13G, 29A).

"I'm looking forward to working with student-athletes who have the same dreams that I had ? playing professionally and representing our country in the World Cup," Sorber said. "It is a great honor to come back and be a part of that."

Sorber will assume his new duties tomorrow.