March to July 2006

Magic U15 Team in Spain

07/19/2006 -- The U15 boys team will be departing for Spain on August 2nd and returning on the 12th. This annual trip, offered by the Magic to their U13 & U15 teams, will have them visit Madrid and Barcelona along with time in the mountain regions of Seva and along the Mediterranean at Lloret. While in Spain, they will play friendly matches against various youth professional clubs.

Super Y League International Trips

07/18/2006 -- The Magic is well represented at the Super Y Leagues first international trips. As previously noted, Kevin Bick is with the 1990 national select team as they tour Germany, site of the 2006 World Cup; while Conner Miller, Jesse Ortiz, Harrison Petts and Coach John Hannan depart for Switzerland with the 1991 national select team. While in Switzerland, they will participate in the Swiss Cup which include such historic clubs as: Chelsea and Manchester City (England), Stuttgart and Dortmond (Germany) along with the National Teams of Austria and Liechtenstein.

Magic Players at ESP Camp

07/17/2006 -- The Magic sent five of their best players to join the top 136 players in the nation participating in Adidas's Elite Soccer Program held at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut July 5th thru the 10th. Attending for the Magic were four 88/89 players: Andrew Duran, Raphael Martinez, Cody Stanley, and John Supica. Also making an early appearance was 90/91 player, Josh Lambo.

Magic Goes to Germany

07/13/2006 -- The United Soccer Leagues Super Y-League Select Teams will travel to Germany for a two week soccer tour. Included in the 1990 team is Kevin Bick of the Magic U15 side. The team will compete in six friendlies before the side plays in the Reichenbach tournament on July 22. The tournament competition consists of TSG Backnang, VFL Kirchheim, VFB Reichenbach.

Two Magic Players at U17 USMNT Training Camp

07/11/2006 -- The U.S. Under-17 '90 Men's National Team will travel to Atlanta, Ga., on Thursday, July 13, for a seven-day training camp at the University of Georgia. U.S. Under-17 head coach John Hackworth has named a 31-player roster for the camp, Josh Lambo represents the Magic as one of the 19 players which are part of U.S. Soccer's U-17 Residency Program. While Brendan King is one of the 13 other non-Residency players that coach Hackworth is looking at to possibly invite into U.S. Soccer's U-17 Residency Program full-time starting in the fall. These players are eligible for the FIFA U-17 World Cup next year in South Korea .

Welcome Coach Mike Litvack

07/11/2006 - Chicago Magic alum, Mike Litvack has joined the Chicago Magic coaching staff. During his club years, Mike played under coach Matkovich. Mike attended Glenbrook North High School where he was an all-state defender. Mike also played in college and signed a contract to play professionally in Italy .

Three Magic Teams to Vie for US Club National Cup!

07/05/2006 -- The Chicago Magic Soccer Club will have three teams at US Club Nationals this year. The Chicago Magic U14boys, U17 boys and the U16 girls. The teams will be traveling to Greensboro, North Carolina to determine who will wear the US Club National crown. The U16 girls won their U17 match 4-3 versus the Kickers United Football Club. The U14 boys defeated Scott Gallagher in their final match 2-0 while the U17 boys won their group with a tie breaker.

Magic Sending Two Teams to USYS Nationals!

06/28/2006 -- For the ninth straight year, the Chicago Magic Soccer Club will be represented at USYS Nationals. The Chicago Magic U15's took home the first trophy of the day with a 2-0 win over Ohio FC Mutiny. This is the third consecutive state and regional championships for the Magic U15's. The U15's have been determined to avenge a 1-0 loss in penalties from SoCal United in last year's National Championship match. The Chicago Magic U18's followed up with a 4-1 victory over FC Milwaukee securing their chance for a USYS National title. In other regional action the U17's narrowly missed holding the crown with a 1-0 loss to Scott Gallagher in the final match. The U16's lost a heartbreaker in double overtime with a 1-0 score in their semi-final action.

Watermelon Tournament is Sweet for Magic

06/24/2006 -- The Watermelon Tournament held in Rockford is known for its slices of watermelon given to teams playing in the tournament. What it will also be known for is the U12 championship that our boys earned. Other finalists of the tournament include the Boys U10's & U17 II's and the Girls U12's & U13's.

Regionals Begin in the Fox Cities

06/24/2006 -- The six teams representing the Chicago Magic begin Regional Action today. Four teams advanced to Regionals with State Cup wins; U15, U17, U18 Boys and U16 Girls. Two teams advanced to Regionals through the Midwest Regional league; U14 and U16 Boys. Updates on the tournament will be done daily by the Regional staff.

Keeping Athletes in Top Form

06/23/2006 -- With summer upon us, dehydration is more and more of an issue for athletes. The Chicago Magic Soccer Club and Gatorade would like to alert you to Hydration Guidelines to help keep our athletes hydrated throughout the summer months and the entire soccer season. All six teams participating in Regionals will rehydrate, refuel and replenish with Gatorade.

Magic Travels to Home Depot Center

06/14/2006 -- The Home Depot Center will be hosting camps for both the U15 and U17 Men's National programs. The Chicago Magic Soccer Club's Director of Coaching, Mike Matkovich is heading up the U.S. Under-15's Men's National team, while Jesse Ortiz will be representing the Magic on the U15. Representing the U17 pool team is Brendan King and representing the Magic on the U17 Men's team is Josh Lambo. Highlighting the training camp is a match against the USL's Bakersfield Brigade of the Premier Development League. The U-17 Men will also play against the Chivas USA Reserves, the U.S. Under-15 Men's National Team and the Los Angeles Galaxy Reserves.

FOUR State Cup Championships for Magic!

06/12/2006 -- The Chicago Magic Soccer Club won four State Cup Championship Trophies this past weekend. The U18's won easily over the Sockers FC, 4-1 in the morning's match-up. The U15's were next with Philip Galounis scoring the game winner for the three time state cup champion side. Coach Scott Fonfara had the U16 girls up next, defeating Eclipse in PK's 5-4. The U17's Mike Brennan scored quickly and the side never looked back as they trounced Schwaben FC. The U16's fell 1-0, to the Sockers midway through the second overtime when a penalty was called outside the 18 yard box. The U16's however, along with the U14's, will advance to Regionals through Midwest Regional League play. Good Luck to all six teams headed to the Fox Cities.

Chicago Magic Wants you to Buckle Up!

06/07/2006 -- The Chicago Magic in partnership with the National Safety Council wants to remind everyone to buckle up. "I thought it would be important to remind everyone during this summer season to always buckle up." said Mike Matkovich, Club Director, "It is always a tragedy to hear of someone getting hurt just because they didn't wear a seat belt." The National Safety Council states that you are 4 times as likely to survive a crash with a seatbelt on.

Six Chicago Magic Teams Remain in State Cup Action!

06/05/2006 -- The Magic U15, U16, U17, U18 boys and U15, U16 girls remain in the hunt for the State Cup Championship.   The U14 boys lost their semi-final match to the eventual State Cup Champions, the Chicago Wind.  The U13 boys lost in semi-final action 3-2 versus Naperville Lightning.  The 2006 Illinois State Cup Final weekend is this Saturday and Sunday.

Midwest Regional League Action

06/05/2006 -- Four Chicago Magic teams--U15, U16, U17, U18 boys--have already secured their participation in the 2006 Regionals at the Fox Cities in Wisconsin.  The U14 boys and the U16 girls can also secure their spot with a single win in their remaining Midwest Regional League games.

Magic Tryouts Bring Numbers of Newcomers

06/05/2006 -- The Chicago Magic conducted open tryouts in Romeoville at Lewis University this past Friday.  Numerous players lined up to show their skills against current talent.  Tryouts continue for Magic boys and girls teams of all ages this Friday June 9th and the following Friday June 16th.

Magic Seniors Select their Colleges of Choice

06/01/2006 -- Many of the Chicago Magic players from the class of 2006 have chosen their college for the upcoming fall season. "Our players are sought out by great academic and athletic programs from across the country," said John Hannan, assistant director, "The hard work given by the players and the dedication of time from the families and coaches show that hard work and preparation pay off."

Two More Teams Advance to the Fox Cities

05/31/2006 -- The U16 and U18 Boys join the U15 an> U17 Boys in Regionals this year. Both the U16 and U18 teams finished on top of their Midwest Regional League Brackets ensuring their appearance at Regionals. The U16's secured their victory with a 1-0 victory over Sockers FC.

Welcome Coach Todd Bailey

05/31/2006 -- Todd Bailey re-joins the Chicago Magic coaching staff. Todd Bailey grew up in Wheaton where he was starting Goalkeeper and 3 year lettermen at Wheaton Central High School. Bailey played his youth career with Sports Club (Chicago Magic) were he was a part of the Clubs first U-19 IYSA State Championship and the IYSA U-17.5 State Team. He now lives in Streamwood with his wife Stephanie and their son Jake.

Best of the Midwest a Success

05/30/2006 -- The Spring Best of the Midwest tournament went off with weather coming in and out of the area on Monday. Teams once again welcomed the games starting on time with referees at each of the 623 games played this past weekend. Winners can be found at this here.

Chicago Magic Teams Advance in State Cup Action!

05/24/2006 -- The Magic U14 girls have advanced to the semi-finals of State Cup play with a 4-0 win over Team Chicago. The Chicago Magic U14 girls scored early in the first half and never looked back on their way to victory. "The first goal by Mutz was huge for this team." said Scott Fonfara, Director of the Girls Program. Adding to the scoreboard were Aubrey Lalich with two goals and Allie Newsome with one.

At this stage of State Cup play, the Magic have nine teams playing for the title, including the U14, U15 and U16 Girls and the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and U18 Boys.

Two Teams Punch Their Tickets to Regionals!

05/15/2006 -- Midwest Regional League results are in for two Chicago Magic teams.  The CMSC U15's finished in first place with a 8-1-0 record.  The U15's scored 22 times and only allowed 2 goals.  This will be the third consecutive time the U15's will be attending Regionals.  The U17's did not lose a game and took second place with a 5-0-3 record.  With CRSA winning their state cup title, the U17's are guaranteed a spot at Regionals.

State Cup Advancements

05/15/2006 -- Three Chicago Magic teams will continue on the road to the State Cup Finals after this past weekend's play.  They include the U13 Boys, U14 I Boys and the U14 Girls.

Two Tournaments = Four Champions!

05/08/2006 -- The Magic participated in two tournaments this past weekend and both tournaments produced two champions. The boys played in the Rockford Spring Kick-off hosted by the Hononegah Lions while the girls played in the Hinsdale Hurricane Classic in Oak Brook, Illinois. The U11 boys claimed the title with a 3-2 victory over the Morton Blaze Fire White. The U12 boys captured the title with a convincing win over the tournament host, Hononegah Lions with a 4-0 score.

The U12 girls brought home the championship trophy with a 2-1 victory over the Brighton Eclipse Black. The U14 girls scored quickly and never looked back, winning the title easily 6-0 over the Hinsdale Hurricane Premier side.

State Cup Action Begins

05/08/2006 -- Spring means State Cup. State Cup play began in Rockford this past weekend. The Magic proved to be the winner in each of their games. The CMSC U13 girls beat the NSA Premier with a 2-0 score. The CMSC U13 boys won handily over the Libertyville side 8-0.

Spring Best of the Midwest Brackets Have Been Posted

05/03/2006 -- The Spring Best of the Midwest preliminary brackets have been posted. We are still looking for one team in each of the following ages: U8 Girls, U10 Girls, U11 Boys, U14 Boys, and U16 Boys. If interested please contact John Hannan at (815) 469-1741 x 5 or hannan@chicagomagic.net as soon as possible.

U14 BNT in Carson includes Magic Players in 2nd Camp of 2006

05/02/2006 -- The U.S. Under-14 Boys' National Team will come together in Carson, Calif., for their second camp of the year from April 29-May 6 at The Home Depot Center. Head coach Manny Schellscheidt has invited two Magic players for the weeklong camp. Included on the 37 man roster are Jacob Bushue and Perry Kitchen. The U14 program allows the country's top youths the chance to experience soccer at its highest level.

US Youth Soccer Adidas All Star Includes Magic Player

05/01/2006 -- US Youth Soccer today announced the roster and upcoming schedule for the 2006 US Youth Soccer Adidas All-Star 1991 Boys Team that will travel to France and Italy to compete against top international youth clubs from May 13-22. Included on the 18-man roster is Jesse Ortiz from the U14's. Jesse will train with elite international teams at some of Europe's premier facilities.

MWRL Scenarios Continue to Take Shape

05/01/2006 -- Midwest Regional action continued this week in Muscatine Iowa for the U15's and U17's. Twelve points were at stake and ten points were brought home by the sides. The Magic 15's won both their games 3-0 including a convincing win against the MWRL Premier Red Division leader, Scott Gallagher. The U17's went scoreless in their first match earning a point for the draw and three points for their victory on the second day of competition.

The Magic 16 Girls went 2-0 this weekend in Columbus, Ohio and Carmel, Indiana. The girls gained victories from the Carmel side 2-0 and Javanon 3-1. This qualifies the girls for the playoff round.

Magic Teams Play Up and Advance to Finals

04/26/2006 -- The Chicago Magic U12's and U13's both participated in the 2006 Puma Classic. The variance this time was that both teams played up a year. This did not hinder either one of them from reaching the finals. Both teams went 3-0 in group action. The Chicago Magic U12's lost 4-0 in the Championship to the CM North U13's, while the Chicago Magic U13's lost 2-1 in the championship to the Chicago Kickers U14's.

5 Spots Open For Best of the Midwest

04/25/2006 -- Five spots remain for this spring's tournament. We are still looking for one team at each of the following age groups: U11 Boys, U14 Boys, U15 Boys and U10 Girls. If interested please contact John Hannan at (815) 469-1741 x 5 or hannan@chicagomagic.net as soon as possible.

ODP Trip to Spain Garners Great Competition

04/19/2006 -- The ODP 1988's with Magic player Pari Pantazopoulos were led to an outstanding run by Chicago Magic coach Mike Matkovich in Spain at the tournament held in Lloret De Mar. The side advanced to the finals to face the Brazil team. The side gave up an early goal eight minutes in and tried to tie it up on several occasions. The second goal for the Brazil side came late in the match as our boys were pushing everything they had forward.

U16 Magic Girls Compete at the Blue Chip Showcase

04/18/2006 -- The U16 Magic girls went 1-1-1 on the trip to Ohio. Several players impressed the myriad of coaches on hand from the college ranks. This tournament is in its 7th year for women and has grown to be one of the truly exclusive showcases for U16 and U17 Girl talent.

Chicago Magic Finish Pre-season With Dallas Cup

U12 Boys Clean Up at Spring Kickoff

04/10/2006 -- The Magic U12 boys claimed the championship trophy at the Spring Kickoff, beating the ASC Rebels 4-0 in the final match. The squad went 4-0 with 21 goals scored for and 0 goals scored against.

8th Annual Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction Announced

04/05/2006 -- Come join us on Monday, April 24th at Georgio's Banquets in Orland Park. The celebration of this year's award winners and hall of fame inductees will be highlighted with visits from current Chicago Fire player Diego Gutierrez and past professional Henry Ring. All players and children attending will also receive a special gift. Banquet forms are due by April 15th. There are always surprises! You will not want to miss this event.

5 Teams from the #1 Club in the Country to Participate in Dallas Cup

04/05/2006 -- Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup XXVII will feature elite international, national and local boys teams. The 2006 tournament will include the U14, U15, U16, U17 and U18 Magic teams. Games will be played the new Pizza Hut Park complex in Frisco and also at the Richland College complex. Last year the CMSC U16 team captured the Dallas Cup Boot trophy.

Magic Coach and Several Players Travel Overseas

04/04/2006 -- Jesse Ortiz and Harrison Petts will represent the Chicago Magic Club in ODP Region II 1991 action in Italy this upcoming week. Andrew Duran, Raphael Martinez and Aaron Nichols will travel to Austria with the ODP Region II 1989 team. Coach Mike Matkovich will head up the Region II 1988 ODP boys team in Spain. Also representing the Chicago Magic in the '88 team will be Pari Pantazopoulos. The '88 team will leave for Spain on April 8th and will return on April 17th. The ODP team will have the opportunity to watch a Liga match before their tournament in Lloret De Mar.

Six Magic Alumni Participate in MLS Opening Weekend

04/04/2006 -- Yes, there is life after youth soccer. And it continued for six Chicago Magic alumni during this past weekends opening matches in Major League Soccer. Brad Guzan and Tim Regan saw action with Chivas USA in their win. Danny O'Rourke played with the New York Red Bulls in their first draw of the season. Ned Grabavoy played in LA's home opener against New England in a 1-0 loss. Ricardo Clark and Matt Groenwald played and won with their respective teams the Houston Dynamo and Kansas City Wizards.

Spring Kickoff Continues Magic Successful Preseason

04/03/2006 -- The severe weather held off until late Sunday night allowing games to continue at this year's event. The U14, U15 and U16 boys all captured the championship trophy. In U13 championship action, the CMSC Blue team lost in a thriller while in overtime 1-0 to the VardarStars 93 Red. The U17 and U17II teams advanced to the quarters but did not play.

Midwest Regional League Action Begins

04/03/2006 -- Midwest Regional League action began for both the Boys and Girls of the Chicago Magic. The U17 boys garnered two wins against Ohio FC and the Wings National, while drawing against the Blast FC Red from Ohio. The U16 girls won both their games against the Blast FC and the Cincinnati Classic Hammers.

Welcome New Magic Coach Colin Barnes!

04/01/2006 -- No, this is not an April Fool's joke.There is a new addition to the Chicago Magic coaching staff and his name is Colin Barnes. Colin is an experienced coach coming to us from Atlanta, Georgia. Please help us in welcoming Coach Barnes to the Magic family.