MLS

• Olsen takes over D.C. as interim coach; Onalfo dismissed

  Washington, D.C.

  (Sports Network) - D.C. United announced on Wednesday that the club has named Ben Olsen as interim head coach following the dismissal of Curt Onalfo.

  D.C. United's technical director, Chad Ashton, will serve as interim assistant coach, while assistant coaches Kris Kelderman and Mark Simpson and will retain their roles with the club.

  "This was a difficult and painful decision," said United president and CEO Kevin Payne. "Curt is an outstanding person and a fine coach. This has certainly been a trying season, made more so by a number of factors outside of anyone's control. This decision is not about placing blame, but about looking forward.

  Recent performances have convinced us that we need to make a change at the top for the team to improve the remainder of this season, for 2011 and beyond. We wish Curt nothing but the best." Olsen will take on the role of head coach immediately, with his first game in charge of the team coming this Saturday against the New England Revolution.

  "The first priority in appointing an interim coach was ensuring that he would understand the passion, pride and commitment expected from every player who wears a D.C. United uniform," said Payne. "There is no one better suited for that task than Ben Olsen. We've asked Ben to focus on three objectives for the balance of this season: prepare to win the next game, demand of our players the same commitment to the shirt that he displayed and determine which players demonstrate that they want to play for United next season." Olsen was one of the best players in the history of D.C. United as he helped the team win a pair of MLS Cups while also capturing the 1998 MLS Rookie of the Year award and being named the 1999 MLS Cup MVP.

  Onalfo departs United after seven months at the helm. He compiled a record of 3-12-3 in MLS regular season play.

  08/04 11:44:08 ET