Men's Soccer

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Men's Soccer

Chad Duernberger
Head Coach
(304) 357-4899
chadduernberger@ucwv.edu

The University of Charleston men’s soccer program is led by first year head coach Chad Duernberger. Duernberger, a native of Belle, WV was a First Team All-State selection three years in a row while attending Riverside and South Charleston High School. As a senior, he was awarded the West Virginia State Forward of the Year Award. Duernberger also participated in club soccer with the Charleston United Futbol Club who were state champions and participated in the US Youth Soccer Regional I competitions.

Following high school graduation, Duernberger played soccer here at the University of Charleston where he was a four time ALL-WVIAC selection including three years on the First Team and one year on the Second Team. He also was awarded Second Team All-Region under the Great Lakes Region in 2002. Academically, Duernberger was apart of the University of Charleston’s prestigious Welch Colleague Program and selected as UC’s "Outstanding Sportsperson of the Year" in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the University of Charleston’s athletic program.

After finishing undergrad, Duernberger moved on working towards a Master’s Degree from Marshall University in Communication Studies. While at Marshall University (C-USA) he served as a graduate assistant with the men’s soccer program under the direction of head coach Bob Gray. Under Coach Gray, Duernberger also had the opportunity to work the 2007 Adidas MLS Player Combine in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Coach Duernberger brings a high level of playing experience as he played in two seasons with the West Virginia Chaos. The WV Chaos is a member of the United Soccer Leagues and competes in the PDL division.

While at the University of Charleston and Marshall University, Duernberger has coached club soccer for four years. He has coached the U11 ‘96 WVSC Arsenal Blue/Red teams as well as the West Virginia Chaos U11 Boys. He also coached 3 teams who participate in the Dick’s Sporting Goods 3 v 3 Soccer Shootout. These teams each won at the sectional/regional levels and competed at the national level located at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL.

by Tom Aluise
Daily Mail sportswriter

When Marty Martinez took over the men's soccer program at the University of Charleston eight years ago, he was coming off a two-year stint as an assistant coach at Marshall.

At UC, Martinez was welcomed by nine returning players.

Last week, Kanawha Valley native Chad Duernberger officially replaced Martinez at the UC helm. Like Martinez, Duernberger arrived on the Golden Eagles' campus with two years as an assistant at Marshall under his belt. He was greeted by nine returning players.

That, however, is where the similarities end.

Martinez inherited a team that had gone 22-2 its previous season, advancing all the way to the semifinals of the NCAA Division II national tournament in Miami.

The 24-year-old Duernberger, who played four seasons for Martinez at UC, steps into a once-proud program that is mired in a 26-game losing streak, dating back to September 2006.

The Golden Eagles went 0-17 this past season. Martinez, who also coached the semipro West Virginia Chaos, resigned following the college season to pursue other job opportunities.

"Fortunately for me, it's going to be a fresh start," Duernberger said.

Indeed, the former prep soccer standout at Riverside and South Charleston has nowhere to go but up.

"Although it was an unfortunate situation for the program last year," Duernberger said, "I think it will be completely different next year."

Duernberger is the process of hiring two assistant coaches. He will recruit 11 to 13 players to add to his roster but is not emphasizing a renewed focus on area talent.

"I'm out to get the best players I can get, whether they're from England, West Virginia or the West Coast," he said.

The question is how will Duernberger interact with players roughly his age?

"It starts with discipline from day one," Duernberger said. "I have to set the tone early on how everything will be run. It has to be run in a professional manner.

"I don't worry about it at all. I met some of the guys when I came in for an interview and I told them everything would be run professionally. I think the guys are looking forward to it. They have a coach they can relate to. They can come in and discuss any issues with me. I'll give them my advice."

One benefit of his youth will be Duernberger's ability to mix it up with his players in practice. He scored over 100 goals during his high school career and was the state's Forward of the Year his senior season at South Charleston.

"First and foremost I'll be off the field watching," Duernberger said. "But being able to get on the field and interact will certainly build a stronger relationship with the guys. I'll work hard with them and maybe they'll say, 'Hey, if my coach is doing it, I'll certainly have to do it too.' ''