Bowling Green State University Athletics
Burstein Named to Women's Soccer Staff
July 05, 2006 | Women's Soccer
July 5, 2006
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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Bowling Green State University women's soccer coach Andy Richards has announced the hiring of Erik Burstein as assistant coach. Burstein began his duties on July 1.
"It is truly an honor to be a part of the women's soccer program here at Bowling Green," said Burstein, who comes to BGSU after three seasons as the head women's soccer coach at Rutgers University-Newark. "Having the opportunity to work with a successful head coach in Andy Richards, as well as the talented group of student-athletes who make up the BGSU women's soccer program, is something I am very much looking forward to."
Burstein guided Rutgers-Newark to an overall record of 23-29-2 during his three seasons as head coach. After spending one year as assistant coach, he took over the top job and led the Scarlet Raiders to a then program-best record of 8-10-0 in 2003, his first season at the helm. The next season, Burstein led the 2004 squad to the first winning season in program history, as Rutgers-Newark finished with a 10-7-1 record.
"Bowling Green women's soccer is extremely fortunate to have Erik Burstein join the coaching staff, and I am very excited to work with him," said Richards. "Erik brings a tremendous amount of coaching and recruiting knowledge with him, and his experiences will enhance the professional nature of the program.
"In addition, Erik adds excellent personal qualities that will benefit the culture of our program. His enthusiasm, positive attitude and desire to be a committed part of BGSU women's soccer is refreshing and much welcomed."
A native of Toms River, N.J., Burstein began his coaching and instructing career in the state of Ohio. He spent 1997 and 1998 as head coach of the boys Under-14 travel squad and director of player development for the West Akron Soccer Club. Burstein also was named the head coach of the U-14 boys team, along with director of goalkeeper development, for Greater Akron Premier. During his time in Northeast Ohio, he also served a stint as the junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant coach at Medina Highland High School.
An accomplished goalkeeper at Toms River East H.S., Burstein earned all-county, all-conference and all-state first-team honors for the Raiders. As a senior in 1994, he became the first soccer player in school history to be selected to the Mid-Atlantic All-America team.
Burstein also has played professionally, enjoying success both overseas and in the United States. As the starting 'keeper for the Brooklyn Italians (1991), his performances caught the attention of Leyton Orient FC in the English Third Division. He eventually transferred to the club and spent a year as a member of their youth professional and reserve team squads.
A two-time New Jersey State Cup Champion with Jersey Shore Boca FC (1992 and 1994), Burstein also earned a spot on the Olympic Development Program at both the state (New Jersey) and region (Region I) level, playing for the ODP teams from 1990-94. He returned to the sidelines for Boca in 2003-04, as an assistant coach and goalkeeper coach for the club's Premier Development League team (United Soccer League).
Burstein currently holds a USSF National "C" license. He has also his USSF National Youth and USSF National Goalkeepers licenses, as well as an NSCAA Goalkeeping Level III National Diploma and an NSCAA National Youth Diploma. He has been active as an ODP coach in New Jersey and has worked with various youth players throughout the state.
"I would like to thank the entire Bowling Green athletic department for their support in this time of transition," said Burstein. "My family and I certainly appreciate their patience and concern for our well-being."
A 2002 graduate of Richard Stockton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications, Burstein married the former Brigitte Bliss in August of 2004.
