Corey Ashe facts for kids

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Corey Ashe

Personal information
Full name	Corey Alan Ashe
Date of birth	(1986-03-14) March 14, 1986 (age 39)
Place of birth	Orange County, California, United States
Height	5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Position(s)	Left back, left winger
Youth career
–2001	Beach FC - Impact
2001–2003	IMG Soccer Academy
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2003–2006	North Carolina Tar Heels	77	(22)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2006	Virginia Beach Submariners	13	(3)
2007–2015	Houston Dynamo	211	(1)
2015	Orlando City SC	9	(0)
2016	Columbus Crew	18	(0)
Total		251	(4)
International career
2003	United States U17	4	(0)
2008	United States U23	3	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 29, 2016

Corey Alan Ashe (born March 14, 1986) is an American former professional soccer player. He played for 10 seasons in Major League Soccer (MLS). Most of his career was with the Houston Dynamo. He also played for Orlando City SC and Columbus Crew SC.

Corey Ashe started as a wide midfielder. In 2011, he became a left back. He was known as one of the best left backs in MLS. He was chosen for the MLS All-Star team in 2011 and 2013. People thought he was one of the fastest players in the league. While playing for Houston, he helped the Dynamo win the MLS Cup 2007. He also helped them reach the finals in 2011 and 2012. He played 266 games for the Dynamo, which is the third most in the team's history.

Corey Ashe's Soccer Journey

Early Years and College Play

Corey Ashe was born in Orange County, California. He played for Beach FC - Impact when he was younger. In 2001, he moved to Bradenton, Florida. There, he joined the U.S. Soccer's special training program at IMG Academy.

Ashe playing for North Carolina in 2006

In 2003, Ashe went to the University of North Carolina. He played soccer for the Tar Heels for four years. He was a regular starter in his last three years. He scored 22 goals during his college career. In 2003, he was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team. He was also on the All-ACC second team in 2004.

In the summer of 2006, he played for the Virginia Beach Submariners. This team was part of the USL Premier Development League.

Playing for Houston Dynamo

Starting His Pro Career (2007)

The Houston Dynamo picked Corey Ashe in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. He was the 26th player chosen overall. After a good training camp, he signed with Houston in February. He played his first game for the Dynamo on May 19. He came in as a substitute in a game they lost 1–0. On June 3, he got his first assist, helping Houston win 2–1 against FC Dallas.

Ashe started his first MLS game on August 25. He played the whole game, which ended in a 1–1 tie. On September 8, he had a great game, getting three assists. Houston won that game 4–3. In his first year, Ashe played in 22 MLS games. He helped the Dynamo finish second in their conference. The Dynamo won the MLS Cup 2007, their second championship in a row.

Second Season and More Games (2008)

Ashe warming up before a game in 2008

In March 2008, Ashe and the Dynamo started the season with a tie in the 2008 CONCACAF Champions' Cup. Houston won the next game, and Ashe got an assist. He played in all four games of that tournament. On May 28, Ashe scored his first goal for Houston in a 2–2 tie with FC Dallas.

He played in 22 MLS regular season games. This helped the Dynamo become the top team in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, Houston lost to the New York Red Bulls.

Continuing to Play (2009-2010)

Before the 2009 season, Ashe had a small toe surgery. He played his first game of 2009 in March. He got his first assist of the season in May. On July 1, Ashe scored a goal and assisted another in a cup game. He helped the Dynamo reach the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup. In the MLS season, Ashe played in 29 games. Houston finished second in their conference. They lost in the conference final.

In 2010, Ashe played in 27 games. He had three assists. The team had a tough year and did not make the playoffs.

Becoming a Key Player (2011)

In December 2010, Ashe signed a new contract with the Dynamo. His coach, Dominic Kinnear, moved him to play left back full-time. This was a big change for Ashe. He had struggled to find a regular spot before. He took this chance and became a strong left back.

Ashe's great play earned him a spot in the 2011 MLS All-Star Game. He played against Manchester United. He played in 32 regular season games, mostly at left back. He helped Houston get back to the playoffs. Houston reached the MLS Cup 2011 final but lost 1–0.

Reaching the MLS Cup Again (2012)

Ashe defending Kei Kamara of Sporting Kansas City during a game in 2012

Ashe started the 2012 season at left back. He played in 30 regular season games. He helped Houston qualify for the playoffs again. He played every minute as the Dynamo reached the MLS Cup for the second year in a row. However, they lost to the LA Galaxy 3–1.

Another All-Star Season (2013)

Before the 2013 season, Ashe had a small knee surgery. He started the season at left back. On July 15, Ashe was named to the 2013 MLS All-Star Game again. He started in the All-Star game against A.S. Roma. He played in 30 games during the regular season. He helped Houston make the playoffs. Houston reached the conference finals but lost.

Changes in Houston (2014-2015)

In 2014, Ashe started the season with an assist. He played in the next 14 games. In July, the Dynamo signed DaMarcus Beasley, a well-known left back. This meant Ashe played less often. The team did not make the playoffs that year.

In 2015, Ashe did not get much playing time with Houston. He only played in two games. On July 14, he was traded to Orlando City SC. At that time, his 266 games for Houston were the second most in the team's history.

Playing for Orlando City

Corey Ashe joined Orlando City SC in July 2015. He played his first game for Orlando City on July 18. On August 1, he had two assists in a 5–2 win. He had another assist in October.

In November, Orlando City decided not to keep Ashe for the 2016 season. This made him a free agent.

Playing for Columbus Crew SC

Ashe signed with Columbus Crew SC in December 2015. He played his first game for the Crew on May 7, getting an assist. He had another assist on May 28. He also had an assist in October.

In November, Columbus Crew SC also decided not to keep Ashe for the 2017 season. Corey Ashe retired from professional soccer before the 2017 season began.

International Soccer

Corey Ashe was a strong player for the U.S. under-17 national team. He was a co-captain from 2001 to 2003. He also played in the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. He played in every game at the 2008 Toulon Tournament.

He was called to play for the U.S. National Team in 2013. He was chosen for the 23-man squad for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The United States won this tournament. However, Ashe did not play in any games.

Career Statistics

Awards and Achievements

With Houston Dynamo

• Major League Soccer MLS Cup (1): 2007
• Major League Soccer Western Conference Championship (1): 2007
• Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Championship (2): 2011, 2012

Individual Awards

• Major League Soccer All Star (2): 2011, 2013

With United States National Team

• CONCACAF Gold Cup (1): 2013

About Corey Ashe's Life

Corey Ashe grew up in Orange County, California. His father, Al, was a U.S. Marine Sergeant for 22 years. Corey's brother, Dre, served in the U.S. Army. Corey and his wife Jennifer live in Houston with their daughter.

Early in his career, Ashe worked part-time as a youth soccer coach. This helped him earn extra money. He is good friends with his former Dynamo teammate Geoff Cameron. They shared an apartment for several years. After Hurricane Harvey, Ashe helped out at the Houston Food Bank. He also played in a charity soccer game. Corey Ashe is a Christian.

See also

In Spanish: Corey Ashe para niños