November - December 2007

Five Magic Players Honored By NSCAA/adidas

12/20/2007 -- An elite class of athletes was announced this past week by the NSCAA and adidas. Four Chicago Magic players represented the club on the All American Team selection. Brendan King and Josh Lambo were named to the boy's team while Whitney Sharpe and Casey Short were named to the girl's team. Chicago Magic player Kevin Bick was also named to the top boy's high school player list. Congratulations to all!

Disneyworld Is A Magical Place!

12/19/07 -- The Chicago Magic are once again headed to Disneyworld to compete in the Disney Soccer Showcase. Just coming off a great showing in Raleigh, North Carolina , the U17 boys will have their work cut out for them as they have once again been placed in the top bracket. Also participating at the showcase will be the Region II 1990 boy's team with Magic standouts, Kevin Bick and Tim Zimmer. These two and the rest of the side will compete in the ODP Super Group. All Magic players will be able to showcase their talents to coaches from across the country.

NCAA Final IV Boys Showcase Recap

12/17/2007 -- The Chicago Magic 90/91 Boys participated in the NCAA Final IV College Showcase in Raleigh , NC. The tournament brought together some of the most competitive teams in the United States. The Chicago Magic were placed in the top bracket along with CASL, Michigan Wolves and FC Delco and finished at the top of the standings with a 2-1 record. A total of 188 college coaches were on the sidelines for Chicago Magic matches over the three day weekend with many coming back again and again. "I saw coaches 3 and 4 deep to my left." said Coach Todd Bailey, "Everyone played at least 50% of each match giving the coaches plenty of time to view each player." Congratulations to the U17 Boys on their first place finish !

U17 Women's National Team Training Camp

12/12/2007 -- US U17 Women's National Team head coach Dean Duerst will bring players from across the United States to a training camp in Sunrise, Florida , including Chicago Magic's very own Shayla Mutz. The girls will play several scrimmages during the week. This training camp will mark the final event of the year for the U17 women.

NCAA Final IV Girls Showcase Recap

12/10/2007 - - The Chicago Magic 90/91 Girls participated in the NCA Final Four Women's College Showcase in College Station , TX. The location was perfect on the campus of Texas A&M for the U17 girls to play against some very competitive teams. They finished the weekend with ties against ASG FC Dallas 91 Gold (TX) and Countryside Lightning Premier (FL) and a loss to ESC 91 Black (OK). Over 52 college coaches were on the sidelines to watch the CMSC girls over the three day weekend. Many of the coaches showed interest and attended multiple games to scout our U17 girls. Congratulations to the CMSC U17 Girls on the terrific showing in College Station.

US U17 National Team Defeats Brazil !

12/08/2007 -- The US U17 '92 Men's National Team defeated Brazil , 2-0, at the Development Academy Nike Friendlies in Bradenton, Florida. Chicago Magic's Perry Kitchen played another full game for the US side. The goalkeeper and backline thwarted every Brazilian attack to earn the US their first-ever victory over the South Americans at the Nike Friendlies and their first since 2001. "It was a great result," said Chicago Magic coach Todd Bailey who was able to view the match on FSC, "Perry was smooth, calm and collected".

SYL All League Final Teams Announced

12/05/2007 -- The United Soccer Leagues announced all this past week the All-League teams for the U13 through U17 girls and boys who took part in the ninth annual Super Y-League North American Finals held last month. Selections were based off the nominations of opposing coaches made throughout tournament play. Selections included the following 7 Chicago Magic players: Elliot Borge, Matt Ducci, Reed Losee, Shayla Mutz, Lauren Rigg, Stephen Lucianek, and Jake Federlick.

Magic Player Joins US National Team in Argentina

12/04/2007 -- Standout Chicago Magic girls player, Casey Short has been invited to join the U17 WNT in Buenos Aires , Argentina from December 7-17th. During this outing Casey and her teammates will play the U17 & U20 Argentine team as well as the U17/20 Uruguayan team. After this trip, Casey will join Kelly Butler in Ventu ra , California for the U17/19 National development camp.

Matkovich to Coach U15 Boy's National Team

12/03/2007 -- Magic Coach Mike Matkovich has been on the US National Staff for over 10 years and will continue the streak this week as he coaches the U15 Boy's National Team at the Development Academy Nike Friendlies. U15 Boy's National Team head coach Jim Barlow has called 32 players into training that will be split into two teams, Blue and White, which will each play three games over the four days.

Magic Player Invited to 2008 U17/U19 National Development Camp.

12/02/2007 -- Region II ODP Girls will participate in a camp on January 2-6, 2008 at Ventura College, Ventura, California. This event will feature teams from all 4 Regions and will be scouted by USSF National Team coaches. Invited to the camp is Magic's very own Kelly Butler, who will be able to showcase her talents and compete against the best in the country.

National Championship MVP's Named

11/21/2007 -- Jake Federlick and Stephen Lucianek were named Super Y-League 2008 Tournament MVP's. "I know the Chicago Magic have been at a National Championship stage before, but this never gets old. It was a rush to win this National Championship." said Magic Coach Todd Bailey, "I could not be more proud of the boys, especially the hard work that these two put into the championship round. These two along with the entire squad did a lot of hard work and they all earned the championship trophy together."

Magic Adds 15 th National Title!

11/20/2007 -- The USL Super Y-League North American Finals featured the best youth soccer clubs around the United States and Canada. These clubs qualified through Super Y-League regular season competition within the various geographic divisions. The Chicago Magic qualified five teams. The U14(13), U16(15), U18(17) boys and U16(15), U17(16) girls. The U16 boys and girls both reached the semifinals losing in close matches. The U18 boys reached the championship match by beating the three time defending champions, Schulz Academy 1-0. The Magic U18 boys then went on to claim the trophy today with a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Lynx Jrs.; The boys came back after going down 1-0 in the first half. Bryan Gaul tied the game on a monster of a free kick. The game remain tied and headed into overtime. During the second overtime, Christian Meza scored on a great break-a-way goal giving the Magic the lead. Just before the whistle blew Scott Larson secured the win by perfectly executing a penalty. Congratulations to the boys on their national championship!

U20 Men's National Team Travels to Argentina

11/19/2007 -- Head coach Thomas Rongen has named an 18-player roster for a trip to Argentina that begins on November 23rd. The roster includes highly acclaimed Chicago Magic goalkeeper Josh Lambo. The team will face Paraguay on November 26th in Buenos Aires , Argentina and two days later will take on the hosts. Rongen's squad will round out their trip on December 1st against Uruguay.

IHSSCA Honors Magic Players

11/15/2007 -- Several Chicago Magic players were honored for their achievements on the high school soccer field. Awards were given by the IHSSCA to athletes in the categories of Honorable Mention All-Sectional, All-sectional, and All-State. Eight Chicago Magic players received the All-State Honor. Chicago Magic standout defender, Tim Zimmer received All-Midwest honors from the NSCAA. Congratulations to all the boys!

Suntimes Chicago Tribune Honor Magic Players

11/11/2007 -- Numerous Chicago Magic p layers showed they could have a positive high school experience and were rewarded with special accolades from the two largest papers in Chicago , the Suntimes and Chicago Tribune. Bryan Gaul of Neuqua Valley was placed on both newspaper's top 11 teams. "We believe in total player development," said coach Matkovich, "Emotionally and psychologically for our boys, high school soccer is a positive experience".

Winter Indoor Classic Registration Open

11/10/2007 -- The Chicago Magic Soccer Club is pleased to announce the Winter Indoor Classic Tournament Showcase. The entire event will be held on the same weekend of January 18-21st. The event will be held at the Hallmark SportsClub in Frankfort, Illinois and will be a great opportunity for college coaches to get a final look at some of the 2008's and prepare for the upcoming class of 2009.

Guzan Named To USMNT 17-Man Roster

11/09/2007 --U.S. Men's National Team head coach Bob Bradley has named a 17-man initial roster that includes Chicago Magic standout goal keeper, Brad Guzan. The team will travel to face 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts South Africa on Novovember 17 in Johannesburg . Kickoff for the 2007 Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup is set for 8 a.m. and broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision .

Magic Girls Do Well at Metro

11/05/2007 -- The Chicago Magic U13 girls took home the title and crown with a dramatic shootout win at this past weekend's Metro United Fall tournament. The Chicago Magic U16 girls advanced to the championship final on goals by Chris Reed and Shayla Mutz against the defending USYS Regional Champions, ELA. The U16 girls lost 2-0 in the final against 4 time Kansas State Champions, Blue Valley giving them second place in the tournament.

Chicago Magic Academy Meeting

11/02/2007 -- The Chicago Magic coaching staff will hold an academy meeting for all U16, U17 and U18 players at 8:00 PM after training on Tuesday, November 6th. Director of Coaching Michael Matkovich said, "The Club is an integral part of the new US Soccer Federation Youth Academy network and communication to our players is vital". All parents of these players are also enouraged to attend.

Guzan Named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year!

11/01/2007 -- Standout Chicago Magic alum and current Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan earned 2007 Panasonic Goalkeeper of the Year! Brad Guzan is only 23 and in only his third year as a professional. Guzan becomes the 10th different player to win the Goalkeeper of the Year award. Only two players have received the award more than once (Joe Cannon and Pat Onstad). He led the voting ahead of Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad and New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis.