Technical Staff

Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations/Team Manager

Peter Nowak’s storied soccer journey began in Pabianice, a small town in Poland, at a time closed behind the Iron Curtain. He left home at the age of 15 to pursue his soccer dreams, which have led him to Philadelphia. Responsible for all facets of the club’s training and on-field performance, Nowak has established similar programs for all related youth and minor league partners and affiliates as he enters his third year as team manager. In March 2011, Nowak added Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations to his title as a representation of his extensive duties as they relate to all soccer operations within the Union organization.

After working to refine his playing skills in Turkey and Switzerland, Nowak moved to Germany to become a member of Dynamo Dresden. It was his next stop, however, where Nowak really hit his stride. In 1994, he signed with the Bundesliga, first with FC Kaiserslautern and later 1860 Munich, where he played until 1998. During the 1995-96 season, Nowak was voted the Bundesliga’s Best Playmaker, as well as the Polish Player of the Year.

In 1998, Nowak moved to the United States and joined the Chicago Fire for the team’s inaugural MLS season. He promptly established himself as one of the best players in the League, leading the Fire to a MLS Cup (’98) and two US Open Cups (’98, ’00). Nowak patrolled the Fire midfield for 114 league games, registering 26 goals and 48 assists. He played with Chicago for five seasons and retired in 2003.

Nowak worked in the Fire front office for one season, before moving back to coaching in 2004 when he was hired as head coach of D.C. United. In his first season in D.C., he guided a side that had finished no better than fourth in the Eastern Conference the previous four seasons, to a MLS Cup Championship, with a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Wizards. With the victory, Nowak became and still remains, the only man in League history to win a MLS Cup as both a player and a head coach. Additionally, he became the first head coach in all major American sports in the last half-century to win a championship within two years of retiring as a player.

In 2005, as part of its 10th anniversary celebration, Major League Soccer named Nowak to its All-Time Best XI, a selection of the best 11 players in the history of the League. In three years with United, Nowak led the club to a record of 42-27-25, while winning the Supporters’ Shield for best regular season record in 2006, with a 15- 7-10 mark.

During his illustrious playing career, Nowak served as the captain of the Polish National Team for three years, playing in 24 games and scoring three goals. In 2005, Polish President Aleksander Kwansniewski rewarded Nowak for his contributions made to his homeland, bestowing the prestigious Cavalier Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

That international experience no doubt helped as he moved on to become an assistant to United States Men’s National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley, who had been his coach in Chicago. Nowak also served as head coach of the U-23 National Team, where together with Bradley, they coached over 70 players and orchestrated the USA’s championship run to a title in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

John Hackworth

Coach

After two years with the United States Men’s National Team, Coach John Hackworth reunited with Team Manager Peter Nowak in 2010 and has been key in creating a style and level of commitment for all who wear Philadelphia Union colors, from the first team allthe way down the ladder in the youth program.

Hackworth spent two years alongside Nowak as an assistant to Head Coach Bob Bradley, and helped guide the USMNT to a first place finish in group play in World Cup Qualifying and a second place finish in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. In addition to his position with the USMNT, Hackworth also served as the Development Academy Technical Director in U.S. Soccer’s playerdevelopment initiative that launched in 2007.

Prior to joining the USMNT staff, he spent more than six years with the U.S. Under-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. Hackworth served as head coach of the 2005 and 2007 World Cup teams, leading the squad to a fifth place finish in the 2005 U-17 World Cup and winning CONCACAF qualifying in both ‘05 and ‘07. While in Bradenton, he was instrumental in helping the maturation of some of the best young professionals, including Michael Bradley, Jonathan Spector, Jozy Altidore, and a large number of Union players.

In 2008, Hackworth was recognized for his contribution to the game of soccer, earning the United States Olympic Committee Developmental Coach of the Year Award. Hackworth was a top level college coach for nine years, spending four as the head coach at the University of South Florida and five years as the top assistant at Wake Forest. During his tenure at USF, he helped the Bulls to a 47-32-2 (.592) record and two NCAA Tournament appearances (1998 and 2001). In 1998, Hackworth’s squad won the Conference USA Tournament championship and a share of the C-USA regular season title. For his efforts, Hackworth was tabbed the league’s Coach of the Year.

Born and raised in Dunedin, Fla., Hackworth graduated from Wake Ftorest in 1992, helping his coach and Philadelphia soccer icon Walt Chyzowych lead the club to a No. 3 ranking nationally in 1991 and 1992. He went on to play professionally for the Carolina Dynamo of the A-League in 1997, a team that finished as national runners-up.

Rob Vartughian

Assistant Coach/Goalkeeper Coordinator

Perhaps no one has had more success in the country at grooming some of the nation’s top goalkeepers than Assistant Coach/Goalkeeper Coordinator Rob Vartughian. In seven seasons with the University of Maryland men’s soccer team, he helped the Terps to seven straight NCAA tournament appearances, four College Cups, two NCAA national championships and a pair of ACC Championships.

In his time with Maryland, Vartughian has guided the careers of young goalkeepers with great success, including the Union’s 2011 MLS SuperDraft First Round selection Zac MacMath and former Union ‘keeper Chris Seitz. Both MacMath and Seitz made crucial saves to lead the Terps to an NCAA Championship in their respective freshman seasons.

Vartughian was instrumental in not only working with the keepers, but was heavily involved with all aspects of the program. His efforts helped land recruiting classes that were annually considered among the best in the country. Recognized as one of the nation’s top assistant coaches, he was an integral part of the player development of over 25 MLS Superdraft picks.

In addition to his duties with the Terps, Vartughian has been a goalkeeper coach at the national level and involved with several of the U.S. national teams. Since 2008, he has served as an assistant coach with the U-15 National Team in various camps both domestically and internationally. Vartughian also served as the goalkeeper coach for the United States U-23 Olympic team that traveled to Japan in preparation for the 2008 Olympic in Beijing. In Nov. 2011, Vartughian served as a goalkeeper coach with the U-23 Olympic and U-20 National Teams that travelled to Germany. He also serves as a scout for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and in 2006 was head coach of the Maryland Boys (1990’s) ODP team that captured a national championship.

Prior to his work at College Park, Md., Vartughian worked as an assistant at Penn, where, as both the men’s and women’s goalkeeping instructor, his keepers earned All- American and All-Ivy Player of the Year accolades. During his tenure, both the Quakers’ men’s and women’s teams went on to win Ivy League titles in 2001 and 2002.

Vartughian played for St. Bonaventure University from 1996-99, graduating with a degree in accounting and finance before heading to Wake Forest in 2000 to begin graduate work in education. During his three seasons with the Bonnies, he set records for shutouts in a single season and career goals-against average. He finished his career as the starting goalkeeper at Wake, where he made 72 saves on the year.

Raised in North Brunswick, N.J., Vartughian played for both the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Philadelphia Kixx and the A League’s Hampton Roads Mariners and Charleston Battery. He spent 2001 with the South Jersey Barons Division III United Soccer League team.

Diego Gutierrez

Sporting Director

Diego Gutierrez joined Philadelphia Union’s technical staff in August of 2010 as the Head of Scouting and Player Development. Gutierrez, a 13 year veteran of Major League Soccer, brings an extensive pool of domestic and international contacts that help the club identify talent worldwide. Among his duties, he assists Team Manager Peter Nowak with player acquisitions, roster management, salary cap, and also manages the club’s international partners and relationships.

The Colombian midfielder is quite familiar with MLS, having spent most of his professional career in the League with the Chicago Fire and Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting KC). A League original drafted by Kansas City in 1996, he was taken by the Fire in the 1997 Expansion Draft. Gutierrez has won a total of four U.S. Open Cups, four conference titles, and one MLS Cup, a feat that he accomplished alongside then teammate Nowak in 1998. In 256 regular season appearances, he has amassed 12 goals and 49 assists. For him accomplishments, Soccer America named Gutierrez among the decade’s best in both the 1990’s and 2000’s. Upon retirement in 2008, Gutierrez was the recipient of the MLS’ Commissioner’s Award, the League’s highest honor.

After becoming a United States citizen in 2000, Gutierrez received his first cap with the U.S. National Team against South Korea on December 9, 2001.

Gutierrez was the recipient of the 2010 Jerry Yeagley Award for Exceptional Personal Achievement by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, which recognizes a current or former collegiate soccer player who has achieved extraordinary accomplishments and has demonstrated the qualities of sportsmanship, integrity and strong work ethic.

Off the field, Gutierrez has a rich philanthropic and humanitarian background, supporting over half a dozen organizations on national, regional, and local levels. He serves as a national spokesperson for the Nothing But Nets malaria campaign, is a current member of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Player Advisory Council and served on the Presidential Council for Fitness and Sport, appointed by the President of the United States, until May 2010. In September of 2009, Gutierrez became just the second soccer player (Pele being the other) to be inducted into the World Humanitarian Hall of Fame. He was also named the 2007 U.S. Soccer Federation/MLS Humanitarian of the year.

Alecko Eskandarian

Youth Technical Director

Alecko Eskandarian is entering his second season with Philadelphia Union after an 8 year playing career in MLS which ended when he was forced to retire due to injuries. In 2010, he served as an assistant coach of the University of Virginia men’s soccer team before joining the Union staff. In 2011 Eskandarian oversaw the Union’s academy under the direction of Coach John Hackworth.

Since the Union’s program was launched in April 2010, the academy has seen overwhelming success with over 550 of the area’s top youth receiving training at YSC. Eskandarian will continue to oversee the Union’s U-16 and U-18 academy teams in an effort to provide “a path to PPL Park.”

Eskandarian’s move to Philadelphia brings another familiar face to the Union coaching staff. A former MLS All-Star and MLS Cup MVP, Eskandarian played under Nowak for three seasons at D.C. United, winning the MLS Cup in 2004. The forward was capped once for the US National team and also represented the United States at the U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels.

Brendan Burke

Reserve Team Head Coach

Brendan Burke enters his second year as head coach of Philadelphia’s Reserve League team and Assistant Youth Director, after spending four years as head coach of the Reading United A.C. PDL squad. He brings to Philadelphia a resume rich with experience coaching and playing at virtually every level of the game.

Burke is Reading United’s most successful coach in the club’s 15-year history with a 50-12-10 record and two trips to the PDL National Final Four in four years. He has built a program that has recently seen some of the nation’s top talent come to train and play for Reading before entering the professional ranks. CJ Sapong, MLS Rookie of the Year 2011, Andrew Wenger and Billy Schule, 2011 MAC Hermann Trophy Finalists and Luke Mulholland, 2011 USL Pro Rookie of the Year are all examples of Burke’s success. As a result of his accomplishments with Reading Burke was nominated to the 2010 PDL Coach of the Year.

On top of his responsibilities with the Union reserves and the first team, he continues to coach Reading United, serving also as Assistant GM to the PDL side.

Paul Rushing

Head Athletic Trainer

Head Athletic Trainer Paul Rushing enters his third season with Philadelphia Union after spending five years as a certified athletic trainer for ATHLETICO, INC. Rushing was assigned to the U.S. U-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla., where he previously worked with Coach John Hackworth and a large number of Union players.

Prior to his work with the U-17’s, Rushing spent three years at the IMG/Bollettieri Sports Academies, where he worked with closely with both the men’s and women’s soccer programs. Certified in First Aid and CPR, he also served as a personal trainer, creating and monitoring customized diet and weight training programs.

A graduate of Western Illinois University Rushing served in the United States Navy as a Second Class Petty Officer and earned numerous service medals during his eight-year service.

Kevin Miller

Fitness Coach

Kevin Miller enters his second year as the Union Fitness Coach, after nine years as a sports performance coach in the strength and conditioning field. Miller’s philosophy rests in the belief of consistency, confidence, hard work and having a plan for reaching someone’s goals. Throughout his career, Miller has worked with a diverse group of clients ranging from kids to professional athletes.

A certified Strength & Conditioning specialist by NSCA, Miller also holds accreditations from USTAF (Level 1 Track & Field Coach), Erik Dalton (Myoskeletal Therapist Level 1) and education in Massage Therapy from Brandon Raynor School. An athlete himself, he has completed three Ironman Triathlons, ten marathons and a series of running and Xterra races.

Josh Gros

Team Coordinator

Josh Gros knows what it takes to win a Major League Soccer Championship. A four-year starter for D.C. United, Gros, Team Manager Peter Nowak and Alecko Eskandarian led the Black and Red to the 2004 MLS Cup in their first season. Now in his third season as Team Coordinator, Gros’ primary responsibilities involve many areas of team operations and administration.

Selected by D.C. United in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, Gros was immediately inserted into the starting lineup, becoming the club’s first draft pick to log more than 2,000 minutes. Known for his tireless work ethic, the Rutgers graduate logged over 9,000 minutes in 110 games, resulting in nine goals and 14 assists. Gros earned a cap with the U.S. Men’s National Team in a 2-0 victory over archrival Mexico on February 7, 2007. An unfortunate series of concussions forced the 2006 MLS All-Star into early retirement at the end of the 2007 season.

Prior to returning to MLS, Gros spent 18 months working as a civil engineer for VIKA, Inc., in Virginia. He continued to stay involved in soccer, however, serving as an assistant coach with the Northern Virginia Royals of the USL Premier Development League.

Tim Cook

Equipment Director

Equipment Director Tim Cook enters his third season with Philadelphia Union after spending three years with the United States Men’s Senior National Team. Having worked with some of the nation’s best players and coaches throughout all levels of U.S. Soccer, including Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Philadelphia Union’s own Peter Nowak and John Hackworth, Cook brings a world of experience to the City of Brotherly Love.

Raised in Sacramento, Calif., Cook graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in kinesiology in 2007. Immediately after graduation, he took a job with U.S. Soccer and outfitted the USMNT through CONCACAF World Cup qualifying round. The national team enjoyed one of its most successful stretches in history during Cook’s tenure, winning silver medals in both the Confederations Cup and the Gold Cup last year.