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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Partner with Orland Park Soccer Club

April 5, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


CHICAGO, IL (April 5, 2011) - The Chicago Fire Soccer Club today announced a partnership with the Orland Park Soccer Club to manage and oversee the organization's travel and competitive programs into the next generation.

"The Orland Park Soccer Club and community have been the cornerstone for youth soccer in the Southland area of Chicago for 35 years," said Chicago Fire Director of Player Development John Dorn. "We are grateful for the opportunity the club has presented us and are committed to continuing the great work of the club for the past and current generation through to the next generation.

Having helped to develop the likes of MLS players Jed Zayner and Tim Regan over the years, the Orland Park Soccer Club has shown an ability to bring along potential talent. To that end, this long-term affiliation is expected to bring into focus the Fire's commitment to youth soccer in Chicagoland by setting strong regional affiliations to complement the club's Academy programs based at Toyota Park.

"Orland Park Soccer Club is extremely excited to become a part of the Chicago Fire organization," said Club President Robert Crohan. "Having the Chicago Fire coaches lead our competitive teams to the next level is an important step in our club's development. We're looking forward to continuing our history of providing excellent soccer to Orland Park and its surrounding area."

In addition, the Fire has named former first team assistant coach and south Chicagoland native Mike Matkovich as the program's Director of Coaching. Matkovich brings a wealth of local, professional and international coaching experience to the club.

The current head coach of the U.S. U18 Men's National Team, Matkovich served as the club's first team assistant coach from 2009-10, having previously served in the same role with Chivas USA (2008) and Toronto FC (2007). Prior to his work in MLS, the Frankfort, IL native was head coach of the Fire PDL side from 2002-06 and worked over 20 years with the Chicago Magic, with whom he won the NSCAA National Coach of the Year award in 2000.

"I'm excited to be back coaching youth soccer in the Chicago southland area," said Matkovich. "I look forward to using the experience I've gathered from my time spent at the professional and international levels to help further develop players in the area."

The first step for the new program begins Sunday, May 8, when the club begins a month-long tryout period at Centennial Park in Orland Park (15400 West Ave.) starting at 7pm. The tryouts will be open to players from the U8 level all the way to U18. For more information and tryout registration, please call (708) 478-4269), email info@chicastofirejuniorssouth.com or visit www.chicagofirejuniorssouth.com .

Sunday, May 8

U8 to U13 Boys from 7.00pm-8.15pm

U14 to U19 Boys from 8.30pm-9.45pm

Try-outs to be held at:

Centennial Park 15400 West Ave.

Orland Park, IL 60462

Monday, May 9

Monday, May 16

U15 to U19 Girls from 8.00pm-9.30pm

Tuesday, May 17

Tuesday, May 31

U8 to U14 Girls from 7.00pm-8.30pm

Wednesday, June 1

Check out the Chicago Fire FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from April 5, 2011


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