Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber today issued the following statement regarding the death of U.S. national team assistant coach and former Colorado Rapids Head Coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick.
"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," Garber said. "Mooch will be dearly missed and his passion, spirit and sincerity will never be forgotten."
Myernick suffered a heart attack Thursday, Oct. 5 following his regular morning run. He passed away early Monday morning. He was 51.
In four seasons as the Rapids' head coach, Myernick led the club to a 63-61-4 record and four postseason trips, including the club's only MLS Cup appearance, in 1997. More recently, Myernick was an assistant coach for the U.S. Men's National Team at the past two FIFA World Cups. As a player, he starred at Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y., and with numerous NASL teams, earning MVP honors for the Portland Timbers in 1982. He made 10 appearances for the U.S. Men's National Team and was team captain in 1978.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy, their daughter, Kelly, and their son, Travis. Funeral arrangements will be private, and a celebration of the life of Glenn Myernick will be planned in the near future. Fans wishing to send their thoughts and well wishes to the Myernick family can direct any items to the attention of the Colorado Rapids, where 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.
