To honor Clive Charles’ 17 years of inspired leadership in collegiate soccer, the University of Portland has established the Clive Charles Soccer Complex on the University campus. The complex brings to life Clive’s desire for continued facility development and improvement to provide his players with the finest possible environment in which to compete.

The centerpiece of the complex will continue to be the Harry A. Merlo Field, built in 1990 and one of the nation’s premier collegiate soccer venues. Merlo Field will be augmented by new practice fields, upgraded support facilities and an enhanced stadium for spectators. The existing natural turf practice field will be completely rebuild, including drainage and irrigation systems. Stadium lights, approved in the University’s Master Plan by the City of Portland and pending review by city agencies, will be installed to allow night games to be played on Merlo Field. Renovated and enlarged locker rooms in adjacent Chiles Center will more efficiently accommodate University athletes. New landscaping, fencing, and site-appropriate construction will link all of the facilities in an attractive meaningful way.

Charles has directed the University’s nationally-recognized soccer program since 1985. His men’s and women’s teams have won 13 conference championships and earned 20 NCAA playoff berths (including nine Final Four appearances) in a combined 31 seasons. Charles was named the women’s soccer Coach of the Year in 2002 by Soccer Buzz, was the Far West Region Coach of the Year four times and was the West Coast Conference Coach of the Year seven times. Twenty-eight of his players have been named all-American. In 2002, the Pilot women steamrolled through the NCAA playoffs and claimed the first NCAA Championship in school history, beating WCC rival Santa Clara, 2-1 in double overtime. Clive was awarded an honorary degree from the University in 2002 and was recently inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements as a player and a coach.

The Clive Charles Soccer Complex will affirm Clive’s incomparable legacy at the University and will permanently honor one of the great figures in the University’s history. Donations in Clive’s memory will be used towards the funding of the project. The Athletic Department, The University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Ore. 97203-5798. click here