Philadelphia Union add Mike Sorber to coaching staff

Oct 5, 2013; Chester, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union fans hold up their scarves against the Toronto FC during the second half at PPL Park. The Union defeated Toronto FC, 1-0 in stoppage time. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Former U.S. Men’s National Team player and coach Mike Sorber has been added to the Philadelphia Union technical staff as an assistant coach. Sorber coached alongside Union Team Manager John Hackworth with the USMNT and remains the only U.S. international to have played for and coached the United States in a FIFA World Cup. He joins the Union with over 10 years of coaching experience and holds a USSF “A” Coaching License.

“I’m really pleased to be joining the Union and am looking forward to getting started with the club this year,” Sorber told reporters this week. “I have always admired this organization and the passion that the fans in Philadelphia have for their teams and I’m grateful to play a part in this team’s success going forward.”

“Having worked with Mike before, I know that we not only share a common coaching philosophy, but a level of trust and confidence with each other,” Hackworth said of Sorber’s hire. “He is someone that knows this league very well as both a player and a coach and we’re excited about adding someone to our staff with his knowledge and experience.”

Sorber played in 67 matches with the USMNT National Team. He also represented his country in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. During his five seasons MLS, Sorber made over 170 League appearances with three different clubs (Kansas City Wizards, New York MetroStars and Chicago Fire), recording nine goals and 17 assists.

Midfielder Corben Bone is hoping to get his playing career back on track with a strong showing for the Union. Bone started his MLS career with the Chicago Fire but found himself spending most of his time with the reserves. This year, he’s hoping for more time as a starter with Philly.

“I think sometimes when you get stuck in a rut, or the same system or the same situation that you are in – you get content and comfortable,” Bone told philadelphiaunion.com’s Kerith Gabriel. “To get in a new environment, around new players, it helps with [building] confidence. It gives you a fresh start. It helps to come out and bring it everyday because you have to prove yourself in front of new faces everywhere, instead of at the same club with the same guys who know you.

“It’s exciting, you know. Obviously to leave Chicago was tough, but I am super excited about a new opportunity with a good club. A lot of the guys I am familiar with here have made it pretty easy, and as far as the transition – so far so good. It’s been fun. I feel rejuvenated really, which is nice. I’m ready to get back to it and to start producing for a team like I always knew I could.

“I know this club just missed the playoffs in the last few seasons and I would be happy to contribute and kind of be that push to help the Union get into the playoffs. I’m here to do whatever the team needs. It’s exciting that there’s a goal to reach. Hopefully we can reach that goal as a team and I can contribute to it.”