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Matkovich Named USA U-18 Head Coach
Chivas USA assistant coach Mike Matkovich has been named the USA under-18 head coach, a newly created position in the US Soccer hierarchy.
Dec 18, 2008 4:27:23 AM
Mike Matkovich has been named the head coach of the USA under-18 national team. The position was created to help future stars transition from the U-17 to the U-20 teams, especially those born in odd-numbered years who more easily fall through the cracks.
Prior to this position, Matkovich held assistant coach positions at Chivas USA (2008) and Toronto FC (2007) of Major League Soccer. He began his coaching career with the Chicago Magic Soccer Club, which he founded in 1987. While there, he earned his National ‘A’ Coaching License.
The 2000 NSCAA National Coach of the Year leaves behind him a vacant assistant coaching role at Chivas USA.
“Mike Matkovich was a key contributor to our coaching staff this past season. While we are sorry to see him go, we know the U.S. Under-18 head coaching position represents a great opportunity for Mike and we wish him the best of luck,” said Chivas USA Vice President of Soccer Stephen Hamilton. “We will now begin the process of searching for a replacement to be named to Preki’s technical staff in the weeks ahead.”
Earlier in the week, Chivas USA owner Jorge Vergara announced that Chivas de Guadalajara assistant coach Luis Manuel Díaz would be joining the MLS sister-club. However, spokespeople from both clubs have denied knowledge of any such events. Matkovich’s departure does add weights to the theory that Díaz will be heading north to Los Angeles.
--Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
Prior to this position, Matkovich held assistant coach positions at Chivas USA (2008) and Toronto FC (2007) of Major League Soccer. He began his coaching career with the Chicago Magic Soccer Club, which he founded in 1987. While there, he earned his National ‘A’ Coaching License.
The 2000 NSCAA National Coach of the Year leaves behind him a vacant assistant coaching role at Chivas USA.
“Mike Matkovich was a key contributor to our coaching staff this past season. While we are sorry to see him go, we know the U.S. Under-18 head coaching position represents a great opportunity for Mike and we wish him the best of luck,” said Chivas USA Vice President of Soccer Stephen Hamilton. “We will now begin the process of searching for a replacement to be named to Preki’s technical staff in the weeks ahead.”
Earlier in the week, Chivas USA owner Jorge Vergara announced that Chivas de Guadalajara assistant coach Luis Manuel Díaz would be joining the MLS sister-club. However, spokespeople from both clubs have denied knowledge of any such events. Matkovich’s departure does add weights to the theory that Díaz will be heading north to Los Angeles.
--Zac Lee Rigg, Goal.com
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