September 15: Burn Makes Change at Helm

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After the worst start in team history and with the playoff chances diminishing, the Dallas Burn fired head coach Mike Jeffries on this day in soccer history in 2003. Jeffries was replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Colin Clarke.

At the time the Burn were one of only two clubs in the league, along with the Los Angeles Galaxy, who had never missed the playoffs.

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The former Duke Blue Devil Hermann Trophy winner was the third head coach for the Dallas franchise and appeared to be the future of the club. He was given a two year extension prior to the start of the season.

"We are obviously happy to have Mike back as the head coach for the Burn," said Burn President and General Manager Andy Swift at the time of the extension. "Mike has a great soccer mind and has proven to be one of the best young coaches in the country.”

Soccer Birthdays

1941 – Flórián Albert, Hungarian footballer
1951 – Johan Neeskens, Dutch footballer
1978 – Eiður Guðjohnsen, Icelandic footballer
1979 – Carlos Ruiz, Guatemalan football player
1987 – Aly Cissokho, French football player