Stumptown AC Adds Former US Olympian 
Erik Imler as Assistant Coach

Imler Brings the Experience of Three NCAA National Championships and Six Seasons in US Professional Soccer

CHICAGO/CHARLOTTE (March 26, 2021) – Stumptown AC of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) tapped former United States professional and 1992 US Olympian Erik Imler as assistant coach. Imler is the first assistant named under Coach Rod Underwood.

When representing the US in Barcelona, Imler scoring a goal and recorded an assist against silver medalist Poland. He also earned a US Men’s National Team cap in a 1993 match against El Salvador.  Imler played six seasons in the pro ranks, which included an MLS Cup title with DC United in 1996. He comes to Stumptown from Charlotte Soccer Academy where he continues as director of coaching.

“It did not take long for us to decide Erik should be a part of what we are growing here at Stumptown,” says Underwood. “His dynamic approach to the game will work very well within our vision. We can’t wait to see that results on the field.”

Imler carved his name into soccer lore as a critical piece of the Bruce Arena-led University of Virginia three-time national championship team. Those squads won in 1989, 1991 and 1992, the last of which he captained. A two-time second-team All-American, SoccerAmerica magazine named Imler to its College Team of the Century in 2000.

"I am honored to join the Stumptown AC coaching staff,” says Imler. “I want to sincerely thank Coach Underwood, Head of Operations Carrie Taylor, and President Fred Matthes for providing me this opportunity. Together we will build an exciting product to represent the Charlotte community."

Over the past decade, Imler has developed players as director of coaching with FC Carolinas and Waxhaw Soccer Club, as well as the head coach of the men’s squad at the University of Kentucky. He earned his B.S. in education from Virginia in1993 and completed his USSF “A” coaching license in 2010.

“Erik has been successful as a player and a coach on every level, using that experience to develop the next generation of footballers,” says Taylor. “Erik's experience as well as local ties in the Charlotte and North/South Carolina region will help tremendously in recruiting future Stumptown players and in connecting with the surrounding communities.”

For more information on Stumptown AC schedules and tickets, please visit https://www.stumptownac.com/membership.

About NISA

The National Independent Soccer Association was founded in 2017 with a mission to bring professional soccer to every city in the United States. A pro league member of U.S. Soccer, NISA focuses on a model based on meritocracy, independent clubs controlling their own league, clubs owning their intellectual property, all without the barrier of territorial rights. Sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation, NISA also runs the mid-summer Independent Cup, open to independent professional and amateur clubs alike. For more information about NISA visit NISAOfficial.com or contact at info@nisasoccer.com. Follow NISA on Twitter @NISALeague and on Instagram @nisasoccer.