About
Fred Matthes has been an integral part of D.C. United's front office in Major League Soccer since its inception in 1995. During his impressive 17-year tenure with the club, he spearheaded the ticketing and service departments, which earned multiple MLS Ticketing Awards and established themselves as one of the league's top-notch organizations.
Throughout his time with D.C. United, Fred worked closely with the entire soccer community in Washington, D.C., including the surrounding areas of Northern Virginia and Maryland suburbs. He played a key role in engaging corporate accounts and season ticket holders, which significantly contributed to the club becoming one of the largest fanbases in MLS's early years. Fred was also instrumental in cultivating the presence of D.C. United's original Supporters Clubs, such as La Barra Brava & The Screaming Eagles, and he continued to support the development of future supporters clubs.
Working under the leadership of President and US Soccer Hall of Famer, Kevin Payne, Fred Matthes had a hands-on approach with the team, offering his assistance to players and staff as needed. Additionally, he maintained regular collaboration with other teams and the league offices as Major League Soccer expanded and evolved over time.
Not only did Fred contribute to the growth of men's soccer, but he also played a role in the establishment of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS). He assisted the Washington Freedom of WUSA during their early years at RFK Stadium and later supported WPS in Germantown, MD. Furthermore, when the new Washington Spirit joined the current NWSL (National Women's Soccer League), Fred volunteered his time to aid the team during their inaugural season.
Beyond his commitment to D.C. United and women's soccer, Fred Matthes has played a crucial role in the ticketing sales and operations of nearly every major soccer event in the Washington, D.C. area for the past 28 years. His extensive experience and dedication have left a lasting impact on the soccer community in the region. The past 28 years include:
* FIFA 1994 USA World Cup - Washington, DC
* 1996 Atlanta Olympics - Qualifying round at RFK Stadium, Washington, DC
* USA FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for France '98, Korea-Japan '02, and Germany '06
* CONCACAF Champions Cup Finals in '97 and '98
* CONCACAF Champions league matches in '05, '06, '07 & '08
* The Inter-America Cup Final in '98
* The US Open Cup Final in '96, '08
* MLS Playoffs - D.C. United - 10 out of 17 years; '96 to '12
* MLS Cups '97, '00, and '07
* MLS All Star Game '02 and '04
* FIFA Women's World Cup '99 & '03
* Women's Washington Freedom matches in WUSA & WPS leagues
* International Champions Cup matches - '13
* All US Men's & Women's National Team, Gold Cup and other International friendlies at RFK Stadium & FedExField in those years
Fred Matthes has carved a successful path in the realm of soccer, culminating in the creation of his own professional soccer consulting firm, FM Professional Soccer Consulting. Through this venture, he has provided invaluable guidance to both new and established teams and organizations, aiding them in excelling in various aspects of their business operations, including Ticket Sales & Service, Fan Engagement, Venue Consulting, and Grass Roots promotions.
Among his esteemed clients are notable teams like New Mexico United and Fresno FC in the USL, San Francisco City FC, Virginia Beach FC, and Northern Virginia United in the NPSL, as well as Cal United Strikers FC, Stumptown AC, and NISA Nation in NISA. Fred also contributed his expertise to North Carolina FC and NC Courage of the USL and NWSL, respectively, during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, including hosting significant events like the 2019 Women's International Champions Cup and NWSL Championship matches in Cary, NC.
Fred Matthes' passion for soccer dates back to his California roots, having grown up in Cupertino, CA. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1983, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications and showcased his skills as a goalkeeper for the UCLA Men's Soccer team, playing under the guidance of head coaches Steve Gay and the late Sigi Schmid. Fred continues to show his support for both UCLA Men's and Women's Soccer through contributions to the Wooden Fund as a member of the UCLA Soccer Alumni Group.
During a brief stint from 2013 to 2016, Fred returned to California to work in International Soccer with the International Champions Cup (ICC) in San Francisco. Later, he served as a Vice President with Sacramento Republic FC, where he played a pivotal role in their success as an elite member of the United Soccer League, achieving milestones such as winning the 2014 USL Championship and setting attendance and season ticket sales records at the time.
Fred's career began with seven seasons in ticket sales management with the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) of the National Basketball Association. He also gained experience in the athletic footwear industry, representing brands like Converse and AVIA on both the West and East Coasts.
Family-wise, Fred and his wife Stella have been happily married for 37 years and reside in Northern Virginia. They have two daughters. Marijke, who graduated in Sports Administration from Radford University, worked in Customer Service for D.C. United for six years and is now involved in Marketing for the Virginia Spine Institute. His younger daughter, Brieneke, earned an MBA from the University of Mary Washington and has actively participated in their Women's Varsity Basketball & Rugby teams. She currently supports Military Surviving Family members through her work with T.A.P.S organization and previously worked in Sponsorship & Marketing for the Leicester Tigers Premiership Rugby team in Leicester, England.
Fred Matthes is a seasoned veteran in the world of sports, boasting an impressive 33 years of experience, 27 of which have been dedicated specifically to professional soccer both domestically and internationally. His extensive experience, combined with his boundless passion and unwavering dedication, position him as a highly sought-after professional in the sports world.