Alan Koch resigned as head coach for the Simon Fraser University men's soccer program to take on a similar position with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Koch, an SFU graduate, resigned Friday to become the head coach of the Whitecaps FC 2 squad, which will be making its debut in the United Soccer League PRO division this season.
The South African-born Koch, had incredible success over the past seven seasons on Burnaby Mountain, lead the Clan to back-to-back final four appearances at the NCAA Division II national championships, while fashioning a career 126-21-7 record.
"This was not an easy decision, but I've always wanted to coach in the professional game and to do that without having to relocate is an opportunity I could not pass up," said Koch in a Clan press release. "Burnaby Mountain is a magical place and the people on the hill will always have a special spot in my heart. We had unprecedented success over our seven seasons together and I know that the framework is in place for continued success."
Koch coached in the NAIA for two season with the Clan, before leading SFU into the NCAA.
This season, he led the Clan to its third consecutive appearance at the Div. II nationals. He also enjoyed an unbeaten season in 2011, when SFU was ranked No. 1 in the nation but was ineligible to take part in the post season due to NCAA rules.
In 2009, Koch also led SFU to the final four at the NAIA national championships, where Colin Streckmann became the program's first-ever national player of the year.
Koch also earned the distinction of reaching the 100-win mark faster than any other coach in SFU history.
A search to replace Koch as head coach of the soccer program has already begun.
