Logan Pause first joined the Chicago Fire on January 17, 2003, when the club made the North Carolina product the No. 24 pick in that year's MLS SuperDraft.
Now, nearly 14 years to the day later, the man who served the club as a player, captain, executive, youth instructor and first team assistant coach is taking on a new challenge.
On Thursday (January 12), Pause was introduced as the head coach of the Orange County Blues Football Club, the United Soccer League (USL) affiliate of 2018 MLS expansion side LAFC. John Thorrington, a teammate of Pause's in Chicago for six seasons (2005-10), currently serves as Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations for the LA-based club.
“It is with great joy and honor that me and my family are joining the Orange County Blues FC organization,” Pause said in the club's official release. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and confidence Mr. Keston and Oliver have given me. This is a once-in-a-lifetime project and a perfect fit for me and my family. I also want to thank Andrew Hauptman and the entire Chicago Fire community for our time together and their support in my career growth. My staff and I look forward to putting together a team that makes our fans and community proud.”
Ranking second all-time in club history in competitive appearances (337), starts (298) and minutes played (25,988), Pause was a fixture in the Fire midfield beginning in his 2003 rookie season through his final pro campaign in 2014. After hanging up his boots, Pause moved upstairs at Toyota Park to a role as club Vice President.
WATCH: All-Access with Fire PDL and Logan Pause
Late in 2015, Pause returned to the bench as a first team assistant coach, remaining in the position through last season. Throughout his post-playing days in Chicago, Pause was integrally involved in the club's youth development system as a coach for both the Academy and PDL programs.
Regardless of his role over 14 years in Chicago, Pause approached every new challenge with firm determination, unwavering passion and his trademark humility. The North Carolina native always managed to connect in a positive and genuine way with teammates, colleagues, aspiring soccer professionals and, most notably, Fire supporters of all ages, usually leaving everyone he interacted with feeling a little better about their day.
The Fire community thanks Logan for his many contributions and wishes him and his family all the best in their next adventure!
