Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II has appointed Mike Matkovich as its new Head Coach. Matkovich, who has over 30 years of experience in coaching soccer across the United States, transitions to this role after serving as the club's Head Domestic Scout for two seasons. He becomes the second full-time Head Coach in the history of Chicago Fire FC II.

"We’re excited to have Mike transition into his new role as Head Coach of Chicago Fire FC II," said Gregg Berhalter, Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach. "With his extensive experience and deep connection to the Chicago soccer community, Mike is the ideal fit for this role. Mike’s leadership in developing our young talent will be important as we work to establish a clear identity and unified style of play across the First Team, Fire II, and Academy."

Matkovich first joined Chicago Fire as Head Coach of the Chicago Fire Reserves in 2001. Under his leadership, the team won the PDL Central Conference championship and finished second place in the league in 2003. He also served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Fire First Team from 2009-2013 before taking on a head coaching position with Des Moines Menace of USL-2.

At Major League Soccer (MLS) level, Matkovich was most recently an assistant coach for Columbus Crew in 2019. His previous roles include assistant coaching positions at Chivas USA and Toronto FC.

"I'm excited to step into this new role, and I want to thank Gregg Berhalter and Alex Boler for their trust," Matkovich stated. "I look forward to working with our young players and helping develop the next generation of talent here in Chicago."

Internationally, Matkovich led the U.S. U-18 Men’s Youth National Team from 2009-2012, achieving notable successes such as winning the Australian Youth Olympic Festival championship and securing third place at Portugal's Lisbon Tournament in 2009. Before becoming head coach at this level, he contributed as a U.S. Soccer National Staff Coach.

"Over the past two years, Mike has been an integral part of our efforts to grow Fire II," commented Alex Boler, General Manager of Chicago Fire FC II. "I’m excited to continue working together as we aim to build on the success Fire II has had."

Matkovich began his coaching career in Chicagoland area in 1985 and founded Chicago Magic Soccer Club in 1989. Through these platforms, he developed players like Ned Grabavoy, Eric Lichaj, and Brad Guzan—each having successful careers both domestically and internationally.