FC Dallas Assistant Coach Ben Cross Named Head Soccer Coach at University of Rochester

March 11, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Dallas News Release

Frisco, Texas – FC Dallas assistant coach Ben Cross has been named head soccer coach at his alma mater, the University of Rochester, the school announced today.

The Rochester, NY native was a four-year starter for the Yellowjackets soccer team from 2000-2005 under former head coach Chris Apple, who recently retired. Cross was a two-time NSCAA All-Region selection and three-time University Athletic Association honoree earning First Team awards in 2002 and 2004, while also being named UAA Rookie of the Year in 2000.

“The opportunity to coach at my alma mater is something that has always been a goal of mine,” said Cross. “I am grateful to Clark and Dan Hunt, Nico Estévez, André Zanotta and the entire staff at FC Dallas for the opportunity to work with an incredible organization that has helped me take this next step professionally.”

Cross joined FC Dallas prior to the 2022 season as part of current head coach Nico Estévez’s staff. Before joining FC Dallas, Cross spent three seasons with the Columbus Crew as a first team assistant coach for the 2020 MLS Cup and 2021 Campeones Cup Champions. He also served as the Crew Academy’s U-19 head coach and was named the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Central Conference Coach of the Year at the U-18/19 level in 2018. He holds a USSF Pro and A licenses, MLS Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) and NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

Cross’ coaching experience also includes one season as an assistant coach at the University of Rochester in 2005, where he helped the team win the University Athletic Conference title and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Cross graduated from the University of Rochester with degrees in Biology and Political Science in 2004. He earned his master’s degree in education from Rochester in 2006. He was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.

Cross’ last game with FC Dallas will be this Saturday’s match when Dallas hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Toyota Stadium.

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