Real Salt Lake is having Kyle Beckerman Night on Wednesday. Former Major League Soccer player Kyle Beckerman, right, is introduced by UVU Athletic Director Jared Sumsion as the new head men’s soccer coach at Utah Valley University. Photo: Courtesy of August Miller/UVU

OREM, Utah. — Utah Valley University (UVU) announced it has hired Kyle Beckerman as head coach for the mens soccer program. The formerly-dreadlocked Beckerman retired relatively recently after 21 years in Major League Soccer (MLS), 14 of which was in Salt lake City captaining for Real Salt Lake (RSL). Beckerman has been a frequent fixture around Park City.

“I’m very excited to be joining Utah Valley University and can’t wait to get started coaching this team. This program already has a solid foundation and I know we can accomplish big things.” Beckerman said to UVU representatives. “One of the most rewarding parts of my career was when I had the opportunity to help mentor my teammates in leading by example and sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. I’m looking forward to stepping into that role full time and dedicating myself to developing these young student-athletes into better players and people.”

One of Utah’s most recognizable and notable athletes over the last decade, Beckerman is also known for his work in the community. He is a three-time Jordan Guernsey Humanitarian of the Year award winner, highlighted by the “Light the Res” project that brought solar energy to homes on the Navajo Reservation.

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In 2007, Beckerman was acquired as an athlete from the MLS’s Colorado Rapids and played for the Miami Fusion MLS team prior to that. His prolific international soccer career highlights include: competing on the Olympic qualifier U23 Mens National Team (MNT) as a junior; playing in six of the USA’s seven friendlies including five starting nods in July 2011; playing in all six of the USA’s contests in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup while starting five; earning CONCACAF Gold Cup Final MVP honors in the U.S.’s tournament by clinching a win over Panama; playing five of the U.S.’s six games at the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup on the MNT.

Beckerman started all 25 regular-season appearances for RSL in 2009.

The UVU men and women Wolverines play NCAA Division 1 soccer in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Their Clyde Field home stadium seats over 2,800 fans. Game ticket purchasing info can be found here.