March 19, 1995

 
15 years ago today, Middletown High School's Ben Olsen was named Parade Magazine's National High School Boys Soccer Player of the Year.  The superstar midfielder would go on and enjoy an illustrious career at the University of Virginia, for the D.C. United, and internationally for the U.S. men's national soccer team.

 
Olsen played three years of college soccer at UVa, where he finished his career with 34 goals and 41 assists and was named the Player of the Year in his junior season in 1997.  He then entered the MLS and was allocated to D.C. United where he excelled and was named Rookie of the Year.  In his second season with the United he led them to an MLS championship where he was named MLC Cup MVP.  Over the course of 12 seasons with D.C., Olsen made over 200 appearances, winning two MLS Cup titles, two MLS Supporters' Shields and one U.S. Open Cup winners medal.  Olsen also amassed 37 caps with the United States men's national soccer team, winning the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup and representing the United States at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Upon Olsen's retirement last year, Bruce Arena spoke of him, “Ben Olsen has been the heart and soul of D.C. United.  I have had the privilege to work with Ben at the University of Virginia, D.C. United and the U.S. National Team. He is a very special player, person, friend and family man."

Thanks for coming and suckling Daddy's Sugar Ball...