Chargers Soccer Club Announces Eddie Loewen as New Sporting Director for MLS NEXT

Clearwater, Florida — 3/14/2026 — Chargers Soccer Club proudly announces the appointment of Eddie Loewen as the club’s Sporting Director for the MLS NEXT program, marking an exciting step forward in the club’s commitment to elite player development and national competitiveness. In this role, Loewen will oversee all sporting aspects of the Chargers MLS NEXT program and lead the continued growth of one of the region’s premier youth development platforms.

Originally from Germany, Loewen brings a wealth of international experience as a professional player, coach, and talent developer. During his playing career, he competed professionally for DSC Arminia Bielefeld and FC Remscheid in Germany and represented the German Beach Soccer National Team, appearing in the Beach Soccer World Cups in 2001 and 2004. In the United States, he played professionally for the Cincinnati Riverhounds in the A-League (now the USL Championship).

Loewen began his coaching career at the University of Akron (NCAA Division I) as an assistant coach before becoming Head Coach of the German Beach Soccer National Team and later serving as a FIFA and CONCACAF coaching instructor, helping educate coaches across multiple countries.

He holds UEFA A License and USSF B License and remains deeply committed to coach education, guided by his philosophy that better coaches create better players.

As Director of Coaching at Dunedin Stirling Soccer Club, Loewen developed players who advanced to top collegiate programs including Devon Armstrong (Wake Forest, NJIT) and Daniel Lugo (UNC, High Point).

In the professional player pathway space, Loewen is widely recognized for his ability to identify elite talent. As Co-Founder of Global Soccer Development and International Soccer Academy, he has helped American players access professional opportunities abroad. Since 2020, he has helped 270 players secure trials with professional clubs, resulting in 65 professional contracts.

Loewen maintains strong relationships with MLS organizations such as Philadelphia Union and D.C. United, helping players transition from MLS NEXT environments into professional academies, including Gabriel Vasquez (D.C. United & U15 U.S. National Team) and Neo Heyral (Philadelphia Union U18).

Eddie Loewen Quote

“I am thankful for the trust the Chargers Board has put in me and honored to work for such a traditional organization like Chargers Soccer Club, one of the founding Development Academy members that helped shape what is now MLS NEXT. There is tremendous talent here, and as a local resident, It is an honor to be part of such a historical national soccer powerhouse. I’m excited to start and see players and their families at our upcoming tryouts, cannot wait to build top-level rosters.”

“My passion is helping players recognize their own potential and guiding them to become the best version of themselves on and off the field. Happy players perform better. Our teams will compete with intensity while playing with joy — enjoying every moment of the beautiful game.”

Chargers Soccer Club Statement

“Eddie brings a unique combination of international playing experience, elite coaching education, and proven talent identification. His vision aligns perfectly with the Chargers’ long-standing tradition of developing top players and preparing them for the next level. We are thrilled to welcome him to lead our MLS NEXT program and help elevate the club to new heights.”

SC President Ken Jewell Quote

“It’s super exciting to have Eddie be part of the team.  He will bring a wealth of experience and soccer knowledge to the club and we are extraordinarily happy to have him join our team”

With Loewen’s leadership, Chargers Soccer Club looks forward to strengthening its MLS NEXT pathway and continuing to develop players capable of succeeding at the collegiate, professional, and national team levels.