Soccer - M | 12/2/2014 10:47:00 AM

BURNABY, BC – Former Major League Soccer player and Canadian International Kevin Harmse has joined Simon Fraser University as an assistant coach with the men's soccer program, Clan head coach Alan Koch announced today.

The 30-year-old Harmse played professionally for 12 years and spent time with five different clubs in his MLS career, including three seasons with Whitecaps FC and two seasons with Toronto FC, and he was a member of LA Galaxy during David Beckham's first season in Los Angeles. Harmse last played for Whitecaps FC in 2011. He retired in 2013 due to a persistent knee injury after appearing in 39 games for San Antonio Scorpions.

"We are very excited to have someone with Kevin's playing experience join our staff," said Koch. "He has already been around the team for a little while, and it is great to see how the guys have responded to him. I look forward to working with him as he progresses with his coaching career, and firmly believe that we have the staff in place to enable our team to be successful in the NCAA."

Harmse also played professionally with Tromsø IL in the Norwegian Premier League and with FC Nitra of the Slovakian Superliga.

"I'm eager to make the transition into coaching and pass along my experience and knowledge to young players just beginning to make their marks," said Harmse. "Simon Fraser is an elite soccer program at this level, and I am looking forward to the challenge of helping the Clan win an NCAA championship."

Simon Fraser is Canada's only university competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Clan was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Division II national tournament this year after advancing to the Final Four in 2013 and 2012.

Internationally, Harmse made nine appearances for Canada, including the country's run to the semifinals of the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The former defender/midfielder also spent time with Canada's U-23 Olympic team. At the U-20 level, Harmse represented Canada at the 2003 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, helping his country reach the quarterfinals before falling 2-1 in extra time to eventual finalists Spain.

Harmse is a native of Johannesburg, South Africa. He played his youth soccer for Coquitlam Metro Ford and Roman Tulis European Soccer Academy.

Harmse replaces Clint Schnieder who accepted another position at the university.