January 2005
Brett Mosen - "Mr. USL" USLsoccer.com catches up with new Lady Lynx coach
Brett Mosen’s recent appointment as the head coach of the Toronto Lady Lynx followed a year of service to their Premier Soccer Academy where he mentored and coached the Lynx Youth Programs as well as the Toronto Lynx Junior teams. In Mosen, the Lynx are getting a coach that is not only familiar with their organization but has an extensive knowledge of United Soccer Leagues, having coached in every league throughout the USL system.
Mosen started his journey in USL when he joined the Nashville Metros organization in 1994. He also had a stint with the Lincoln Brigade of the Premier Development League in 1997. A move up to what is now the USL Second Division came in 1998, and he became an assistant with USL First Division’s Hampton Roads Mariners (now Virginia Beach Mariners) in 1999. Mosen became a head coach in USL’s highest tier when he took over the reigns of the Tennessee Rhythm in 2000.
We had a chance to talk to “Mr. USL” about his previous experiences and what he sees in the future for the Lady Lynx:
USLsoccer.com: You’ve now seen USL from many different viewpoints, what are your thoughts on the organization and it’s place in American soccer?
Brett Mosen: I think it’s to be commended on what they’ve achieved. With the size of the country to put a competitive program together at all the different levels is a task in itself. The organization of it all is unbelievable. I’d hate to be [the USL], trying to keep tabs on all of it. Not only put a league together but put something together that makes sense and is competitive.
USLsoccer.com: What do you think of the USL from a development standpoint?
BM: The Super Y-League has had its early problems but it’s proven now that it is the place to go for development. There were concerns in the beginning from the Olympic Development Program but now they’ve come on board and realized that it’s a competitive level and you’re playing against teams throughout the country so its certainly good for player development and a nice progression into [higher levels of play].
USLsoccer.com: Tell us a little bit about your first experience in USL with the Nashville Metros in 1994.
BM: Those were the days of the experiments, where every six fouls was a 35 yard shootout. It was really quite strange so I have to say I’m delighted that we’re past that. As far as the talent that I had at that time, it was a very talented side. You could see that there was opportunity for this league to grow. It’s grown leaps and bounds from there. Since that first season with them I was back again in 2000 (Tennessee Rhythm) and 2001 (Nashville Metros). Part of me is still there in Nashville. Devinder and Lynn gave me the opportunity and I’ll always be grateful for that.
USLsoccer.com: What have your first steps been as the new coach of the Lady Lynx?
BM: First I’ll look at talent locally. There was a W-League team in town before so I’ve contacted those players, and will have tryouts in march. I’m trying to get a feel of what’s out there and what the level of local player is. I’m also talking with the National Team coaches and getting some input there. I’m trying to not rush into any side. I’ll just see what players are out there and what players are recommended. Until tryouts you never know what you’re going to get. I’m going to keep an open mind on it and listen to some of the more noted coaches out there.
USLsoccer.com: What adjustments do you have to make going from being a men’s coach (in the USL First and Second Divisions and the PDL) to a women’s coach?
BM: I don’t think there are any major adjustments, I think the game is the game. It could possibly be taking a different approach to the players than it would be otherwise but as far as the game is concerned, the women’s game is very strong. I’m not going to take a different approach to it. I think the women are very capable and it’s a good level of play.
USLsoccer.com: You came over to the US from the UK, where did you start out?
BM: I came to Richmond (VA) and coached for the Strikers and state ODP for five years then moved to Tennessee to be the Director of Coaching for a club in Knoxville.
USLsoccer.com: What is your favorite memory as a coach?
BM: One of them has to be with the Lincoln Brigade in the PDL when we won our division. That was an achievement. Being a first year team. The very first year with the Metros getting to the playoffs [was special]. Again, I think my final season with the Metros we had a team together there that in another couple of season we could have been competing for something. We went to the playoffs and lost on penalties to Milwaukee. It was a good season. I haven’t won any championships, so my highlights are a little bit different. Maybe this year’s the year.
I love the game, I’m always happy to be involved at whatever the highest level is that is available for me to coach at. It’s nice to be back in the USL.
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