July 30, 2009
CHICAGO- UIC head men's soccer coach John Trask announced on Thursday, July 30 that three-time All-American and former Major League Soccer star Sergi Daniv is joining the Flames as an assistant coach this fall.
Daniv was an All-American for Wake Forest University in 1995, 1996 and 1998 before pursuing a professional soccer career with a pair of MLS sides, the Dallas Burn and the Chicago Fire, from 1999-2004.
"I would like to welcome Sergi Daniv to the staff here at UIC," said Trask. "Sergi's knowledge and background in the game will be something that adds to the quality of the program, and the players will be the beneficiaries of that knowledge.
"To have a former professional and a three-time All-American on the staff will give insight to our players as to what is needed if they desire to play at the next level," Trask said. "When I look at our staff for the 2009 season, I believe we have one of the best staffs in the country and I'm looking forward to working with this exceptional group of coaches."
Daniv was a youth international for the USSR. He was a member of the Olympic Reserve Academy, one of the top Ukrainian soccer academies, from 1989-91, and he was a U-14, U-15, and U-16 USSR National Soccer Team player before heading to Winston-Salem, N.C. to play for the Demon Deacons.
In addition to his three All-America honors, Daniv was an All-ACC First Team pick in both 1996 and 1998 and an All-ACC Second Team selection as a freshman in 1995. He also garnered All-South Region accolades during those three seasons.
He appeared in 45 matches for the Burn and the Fire from 1999 until 2004, making 37 starts along the way. Daniv helped the Burn advance to the 1999 MLS Western Conference Finals, a year in which he was a candidate for league Rookie of the Year honors, and had a 2001 campaign for the Fire in which he posted seven points in 14 matches.
His post-playing career exploits have included conducting soccer camps and training for the Soccer Made in America (SMIA) organization from 2004-2005 and serving as a coach for the Chicago Blast club from 2005-2006.
Daniv graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in analytical finance from Wake Forest and has a UEFA - A Coaching Diploma from the Football Federation of Ukraine.
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