Glenn "Mooch" Myernick, the former head coach of the Colorado Rapids, passed away Monday morning, four days after suffering a heart attack near his Colorado home.
Myernick, 51, was stricken while he was out jogging Thursday morning. He never regained consciousness and died with his wife Nancy, daughter Kelly and son Travis by his side at the North Suburban Medical Center in Thornton, Colo.
"This is truly a sad day for the Rapids organization as well as for the entire American soccer community," said Colorado Rapids Managing Director Jeff Plush. "Mooch was one of the most respected, influential, and beloved leaders in soccer in the United States, and he certainly will be missed, especially here in his home state, where he was involved in so many levels of the sport in Colorado.
"He was bigger than life and made an impact on so many levels, first as a player, then as a head coach with the Rapids, and then finally as an integral part of the recent success of the U.S. men's national team. Our prayers are with the entire Myernick family, and the Rapids organization is here for them in their time of need."
"Glenn Myernick was a player and coach deeply passionate about soccer and life," U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati told USSoccer.com. "Whether it was family, friends or soccer, Mooch was the kind of person that embraced everything in life, loving every minute of it. He will truly be missed by all of us in the U.S. Soccer family, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nancy and his children at this difficult time."
Myernick served as head coach of the Rapids from 1997 to 2000, amassing a 63-61-4 record, 10th most on the MLS all-time wins list. He led the Rapids to the 1997 MLS Cup Final, where they lost to D.C. United.
"On behalf of Major League Soccer's players, coaches, administrators and ownership, I would like to offer the sincerest condolences to the entire Myernick family," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "Mooch will be dearly missed and his passion, spirit and sincerity will never be forgotten."
During the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, Myernick served as one of Bruce Arena's top assistants. He was also at the helm of the U.S. under-23 national team that compiled a 5-1-3 record in 2003, but missed out on a spot in the 2004 Olympics after losing to Mexico 4-0 at Guadalajara's Estadio Jalisco in the semifinals of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament.
"We lost a great person today," Arena said to USSoccer.com. "He was an unbelievable husband and father, and the finest soccer person I've ever come across in the United States. He was an amazing resource for soccer in this country. He will be sorely missed. My heart and thoughts are with his wife Nancy and children, Kelly and Travis, and the rest of his family."
Prior to joining U.S. Soccer in 1993, Myernick played professionally in the NASL and for the U.S. national team. While playing for Hartwick College, Myernick won the 1976 Hermann Trophy as college soccer's outstanding player. Additionally, he played more games for the U.S. senior team than any other national team coach.
Fans wishing to send their thoughts and well wishes to the Myernick family can direct any items to the attention of the Colorado Rapids or email rapidsfanmail@pepsicenter.com. The club will collect items and forward them on to the family. Fans can address their items to:
Colorado Rapids Community Relations Dept.
Attention: Mooch Myernick
1000 Chopper Circle
Denver, CO 80204
Per the Myernick family's request, in lieu of flowers, fans can instead make a donation to a charitable fund set up in his honor, which will be donated to a cause chosen by the family in the future. These monetary donations can be sent to the address above, and donors should make checks payable to the Colorado Rapids Community Care Foundation and reference the Mooch Myernick Memorial Fund.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
