Chicago Gaels News Release

 

Wednesday, February 2, 2005

 

CHICAGO, IL -- Amadan Soccer LLC is pleased to announce they have reached an agreement with the United Soccer Leagues to establish the Chicago Gaels FC.  The Gaels will continue a long tradition of W-League soccer in Chicago, replacing the Chicago Cobras, who recently ceased W-League operations. It was also announced that its men’s Premier Development League franchise is changing its name to Chicago Fire Premier.

The Gaels look to incorporate the same on-field success as Amadan’s current franchise in the USL’s Premier Development League, the Chicago Fire Premier. The 2003 finalists posted an unbeaten record in its fourth season in 2004 to improve its all-time regular season mark to 58-9-7.

“We are disappointed to lose the Cobras, but are excited to welcome the Gaels to the W-League,” said W-League Director of Operations Tammy Crawford. “USL has seen great success in the Chicago area and based on the success of the Fire Premier, we are confident that tradition will continue with the Gaels.”

Commenting on the acquisition of the W-League Gaels, Amadan’s President and General Manager Mark Boyle commented, “We are excited to expand our relationship with USL by the addition of the Gaels FC.  Our goal with our sponsors, Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, has been to develop Chicago as the soccer capital of North America.  We look forward to extending this vision with the addition of the Gaels FC.”

United Soccer Leagues is releasing the 2005 W-League schedule on Wednesday, February 2nd.  Additional information about the Gaels FC will be available at www.chicagogaelsfc.com within the next few days. The Gaels FC will hold open tryouts in early April.  Information on tryouts will be posted at www.chicagogaelsfc.com.  Mike Matkovich, head coach of the Chicago Fire Premier, will assist with recruitment and planning in the interim until a head coach is named. 

With the addition of the yet-to-be named MLS reserve league, Amadan Soccer LLC has changed the name of the men’s PDL franchise to Chicago Fire Premier, reflecting the team’s membership in the PDL. The team’s new website will be www.chicagofirepremier.com

About The Chicago Fire Premier – In the teams four year history they have established themselves as one of the top development teams in North America.  To their credit they have four division championships (’01,’02,’03,’04), a Central Conference Championship (’03), a League Regular Season Championship (’04) and were League Finalists (’03).  Additionally, the Reserves have been honored with 18 players drafted into MLS.

About USL and the W-League - As the largest organization of soccer leagues in North America, United Soccer Leagues is dedicated to growing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across the US and Canada. USL and its franchises are committed to a quality family entertainment experience that is community-centered, accessible, affordable, exciting and educational.   Women's soccer lives in the first national soccer league for women, the W-League. Providing the most complete women's player pool in the world, the W-League is recognized as North America's best women's development organization. The W-League also gives the nation's best college players the opportunity to play alongside established international players while maintaining their collegiate eligibility.