University of Evansville women's soccer head coach Krista McKendree announced today that James Thorpe has joined her and assistant coach Matt Kagan on the UE women's soccer coaching staff. Thorpe was an MLS goalkeeper for D.C. United in 2008, and played against Mexican First Division opponent Cruz Azul in a CONCACAF Champions League match in addition to playing in seven matches in Reserve Division play. Last year, Thorpe played in the USL for the Western Mass Pioneers.

Thorpe led Franklin Pierce University to the NCAA Division II national championship in 2007, earning the NSCAA Division II National Player of the Year award. He was also chosen as Most Outstanding Defensive Player at the 2007 Final Four. The native of East Longmeadow, Mass. was a four-time Goalkeeper of the Year in the Northeast 10 Conference and a three-time NSCAA All-American.

"We are excited to have someone of James Thorpe's caliber for our Graduate Assistant position," McKendree said. "His playing experience combined with his passion for the game made him a very attractive candidate. James will continue the great work done by Corey Southers with our goalkeepers, and the whole team will benefit from James' experience as both a collegiate and professional soccer player. He will not only be helping the goalkeepers but will also be involved with the everyday operations of our program, and we are extremely happy to have James as part our Aces Soccer family."