Thomas Rongen

Lore & Background

Rongen won the MLS Coach of the Year award in MLS's inaugural season in 1996, leading the Tampa Bay Mutiny to the best regular-season record. His stint managing the American Samoa national team was covered in the 2014 documentary Next Goal Wins, and the 2023 biographical comedy-drama film of the same name, starring Michael Fassbender as Rongen.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed above Mercedes-Benz Stadium, casting long shadows across the green turf. Rongen stood near the technical area, clipboard in hand, eyes fixed on the midfield battle unfolding before him. He shouted instructions over the roar of the crowd, his voice cutting through the noise with Dutch precision. A player jogged past, receiving a sharp nod and a quick adjustment to positioning. The intensity was palpable; every touch mattered. This was not just a game; it was the forging of a legacy.

Reader's Guide

Rongen began his playing career with Amsterdamsche FC from 1973 to 1979. He moved to the United States in 1979, playing for the Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Minnesota Strikers, South Florida Sun, Chicago Sting, Houston Dynamos, and Fort Lauderdale Strikers (ASL) until 1993. His coaching career began in 1984 as an assistant at Pope John Paul II High School, later becoming head coach there. He coached the Fort Lauderdale Strikers to the 1989 ASL title, was 1990 APSL Coach of the Year, and coached Nova Southeastern University. In MLS, he coached the Tampa Bay Mutiny (1996, winning Coach of the Year), New England Revolution (1996–1998), and D.C. United (1999–2001, winning MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield in 1999). He coached the U.S. U20 national team (2001–2005, 2006–2011), Chivas USA (2005), and American Samoa (2011). He later worked as director of TFC Academy, head coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies (2014–2015), and head international scout for the U.S. national team. He is currently a sports commentator for CBS Sports and beIN Sports.

Did You Know?

• Rongen won the MLS Coach of the Year award in the league's inaugural season in 1996.
• He led American Samoa to its second ever victory, against Tonga in 2011, which was featured in the film Next Goal Wins.
• Rongen wore his stepdaughter's baseball cap during American Samoa's win over Tonga, as shown in the documentary.