BOSTON – Northeastern men's soccer head coach
Brian Ainscough announced Monday that
Brendan Burke has joined the Huskies as associate head coach. Burke comes to Huntington Avenue after spending the last six years with the Philadelphia Union (MLS) organization.
"I feel very lucky to have Brendan join our program," Ainscough said. "I have known Brendan for a long time, both as a player and a coach, and have watched him develop and work at the highest level of soccer in the nation. Our players are the ones who will benefit the most from Brendan's decision to join the staff. His on field presence and management skills are excellent, and he has a great understanding of what is needed for our players to make the jump to the pros."
Burke spent three seasons as the first team assistant coach of the Union, beginning in January of 2011 as the youngest assistant coach in Major League Soccer. While in that role, he was responsible for the design and implementation of training plans, overseeing the relationship with USL affiliate Harrisburg City and match analysis. He was also tasked with interacting with top university programs in preparation of the annual MLS Superdraft, including the drafting of former Husky great Don Anding in 2013.
In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, Burke was also entrusted to oversee college scouting and scouting of future opponents. During his time with the Union, Burke coached more than 75 matches on the sidelines.
"Brian and Adam (Pfeiffer) have done a tremendous job in getting the program to this point," Burke said. "It seems like a great opportunity and a great time to join the program as it moves forward and continues to turn the corner and become nationally recognizable."
Burke also assumed responsibility of the Union reserve team in January of 2011, and also served as the assistant academy director. In this role, he implemented the training schedule in conjunction with first team methods, managed all reserve team games, and broke down film. He was also tasked with becoming the face of the coaching staff, and conducted weekly chalk talk sessions with fans.
Prior to his appointment with Philadelphia, Burke took control of the franchise's PDL affiliate, Reading United, in January of 2008. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Burke was the program's assistant general manager. During Burke's time with United, the program reached the final four on two occasions, and also earned the regular season championship in 2009. Reading has gone on to produce more professional players than any other PDL program.
Burke has also spent time with the YSL Academy, the Philadelphia Union Juniors Academy, which trains players from ages eight to 18, and got his start in coaching as the academy director of the Reading Rage in January of 2008.
Under Burke's guidance, several players have reached the top professional levels, including the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2012 Superdraft, Andrew Wenger.
Burke graduated from Boston College in 2005 with a degree in business. During his time in Chestnut Hill, he was a four-year member of the men's soccer team, and also played in Ireland following graduation.
