This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on Mark Simpson (soccer). Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Mark Simpson: A Goalkeeper's Legacy

An academic exploration of the career trajectory of Mark Simpson, from his foundational years in collegiate soccer to his impactful tenure as a goalkeeper, coach, and administrator within the professional landscape of American soccer.

Biography ℹ️ Career Path ➡️

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Biographical Overview

Personal Information

Born: March 18, 1966 (Age 59)

Birthplace: Wilmington, OH, United States

Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)

Primary Position: Goalkeeper 🧤

Career Snapshot

Mark Simpson is a distinguished American figure in professional soccer, known for his contributions as a goalkeeper, coach, and administrator. His playing career spanned multiple leagues, including a significant six-season tenure with D.C. United in Major League Soccer, where he was instrumental in securing the 1996 MLS Cup.

Beyond MLS, Simpson gained experience in various indoor soccer leagues (MISL, USISL, NPSL) and represented the United States internationally in Futsal.

Playing Career Details

Youth and Collegiate Foundation

Simpson's soccer development began at the collegiate level. He attended Eastern Illinois University, where he was a key member of the men's soccer program until 1988, honing his skills as a goalkeeper.

Professional Pathways

Simpson's professional career was marked by versatility, participating in both indoor and outdoor leagues across different tiers of American soccer.

Indoor Leagues:

  • Chicago Power (American Indoor Soccer Association): 1988–1995
  • Dayton Dynamo (National Professional Soccer League): 1995 (12 appearances, 1 goal)
  • Cincinnati Silverbacks (NPSL): 1995–1996 (15 appearances, 0 goals)
  • Buffalo Blizzard (NPSL): 1996–1997 (13 appearances, 0 goals)

Outdoor Leagues:

  • Orlando Lions (American Professional Soccer League): 1990
  • Rockford Raptors (USISL): 1994
  • D.C. United (Major League Soccer): 1996–2001 (53 appearances, 0 goals)
    • Key Achievement: Served as the starting goalkeeper for D.C. United's victory in the inaugural MLS Cup 1996.
    • Career Note: Faced significant challenges due to a knee injury and subsequent infection in 1997, requiring extensive rehabilitation.

International Futsal Representation

National Team Experience

In addition to his contributions to association football, Mark Simpson represented the United States on the international Futsal stage. He earned one cap for the U.S. National Futsal Team in 1999, showcasing his adaptability and skill across different formats of the sport.

Coaching and Administrative Roles

Coaching Career

Following his playing career, Simpson transitioned into coaching, leveraging his extensive experience to mentor future generations of players.

  • D.C. United: Served as Goalkeeper Coach in 2002 and later as a full Assistant Coach from 2004 to 2010. He also contributed to the club's Super Y-League team.
  • Virginia Beach Mariners: Held the position of Assistant Coach in the USL A-League during the 2003 season.

Administrative Contributions

Simpson also engaged in the administrative side of soccer development. In November 2012, he was appointed as the Director of Soccer Operations for the planned North American Soccer League (NASL) expansion team, Virginia Cavalry FC. This role underscored his commitment to the growth and structure of professional soccer in the United States.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Mark Simpson Soccer" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about mark_simpson_soccer while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

References

References

  1.  ECK, MOSER 2ND-ROUND CHOICES IN MISL DRAFT State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL) - Saturday, June 18, 1988
  2.  Knowles on top of the game
  3.  1990 APSL
  4.  NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL SOCCER LEAGUE FINAL OFFICIAL STATISTICS -- 1996-1997
A full list of references for this article are available at the Mark Simpson (soccer) Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports or career advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding athletic performance, career development, or legal matters. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.