I know there has been some mention of him in the trade thread, but Jeebus the guy was here 3 years and deserves his own send-off thread. Kurt Morsink was one of the few bright spots from the very, very dismal 2010 season. Sure he didn't have transcendent natural ability but the guy fought hard for the shirt every time he was on the field. Oft times during that putrid season, he looked and played like he was the only guy in a DCU kit that gave a shit about trying to win and putting in an honest effort. Good luck in your new role Kurt.
He retired to become Scouting Coordinator. He grew up in Costa Rica and played in Alajuense's youth system, so my guess is he will focus on Central and South America. As someone posted, this is probably one of the first examples of extra money coming in from the new investors.
Thanks to Kurt for his service on the pitch and best of luck in the new gig with DCU. It speaks well of him that the club made the effort to keep him on board.
What he said. A guy who gave 100% for the shirt. Glad he's going to continue to serve the club in another capacity.
I never once doubted who Kurt played for and how important it was while he was doing it - that's really all I can ask. Now, go scout us a young, cheap, future world #1 player
When he played at JMU, he was a more technical player than a defensive destroyer. He transformed very well to have a MLS career.
So basically he's moving to the beach in Costa Rica in a condo paid for by DC United to watch kids play soccer. I'm jealous
Probably not as cushy as that. A scout's life involves a lot of living out of a suitcase and staying in whatever motel you can find.
Somehow when I picture Kurt Morsink as our scout, I see a guy running up and down the sideline the whole game in Peru watching one player as closely as possible and shouting derogatory things to the opposing team. Good luck Kurt. Pick a winner.
Well, he's apparently come out of retirement to anchor the midfield in the reserve game against Jersey today
Yes. And not to rain on Morsink's parade (and his professional transition to scout and part-time reserve fill-in player), one of the very first public examples of extra money coming in from the new investors would have been the funding of the expansion of the local tv deal this year: http://www.dcunited.com/press-release/2012/07/television-schedule-expanded
My understanding is that DC United contributes something (and perhaps something significant) to cover some/all of the production costs of each game. (I could have that incorrect.)
I am pretty sure you are right. A handful of years ago, CSN was paying for the rights, modestly. I believe that was back when our games had better local ratings than the Wizards or the Caps. Then we sucked and the Caps got good, and the fee went bye bye.
Wow! What a dream job! I'd love to become a scouting director! How does one get into scouting? What I wouldn't do....