Q&A: New Eclipse Select Director of Goalkeepers Jordan King

Eclipse Select's Jordan King

By CHARLIE CORR - slidetackles@mail.com

The Eclipse Select Soccer Club and NWSL’s Chicago Red Stars announced the hiring of 30-year-old former professional goalkeeper Jordan King as the new Goalkeeper Director. EclipseSelect.org spoke with “Jordi” King, who recently served in a goalkeeper coach capacity with the U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team under the guidance of head coach B.J. Snow.

King began his dual duties with Eclipse Select and the Red Stars at the beginning of April. We delve into King’s first conversations with Eclipse Select President Rory Dames, his background, and how his demeanor and values mesh with the model embraced at Eclipse Select.

Q: How did the opportunity to join Eclipse Select and the Red Stars come about?
Jordan King: “I was with U.S. Soccer and working there part-time. I got to work with a bunch of high-quality goalkeepers, and that really opened my eyes to what else is out there. When I got this opportunity from Rory it was something that just was too good to pass up because it was Eclipse and it was the Red Stars as well. That made a big impact. The way that Rory sets up the club and kind of brings back old players, old goalkeepers, to train with the Red Stars, really was appealing to me because I do love to see the transition from club, to college to professional. To be able to work with all of that from a young age and then see them out all the way to that ultimate level was something that was really eye opening. That’s one of the main reasons that I decided to make this move. The players that I was working with privately back home and working with the national team, I would love to see them out, but the next step just wasn’t in my hands. Now, to be capable of making the decisions whether or not to bring them into the Red Stars is something that I think is an awesome opportunity for any coach to be able to do and see.”

For the full interview, visit EclipseSelect.org.

Kecia Morway Jumps at Chicago Red Stars Opportunity

Kecia Morway

As the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Red Stars prepare for their 2014 season, a familiar face is hoping to make her leap to the professional ranks.

Defender and Lake Villa, Ill., native Kecia Morway just wrapped up her tenure at Colorado College, and the Eclipse Select alumna is now testing her game to the fullest with the hopes of joining the Red Stars.

“I have never banked on having a soccer career after it was over,” Morway said. “But right now, I’m not ready to leave my cleats behind. This is a good opportunity, and I can’t pass it up. You never know how many opportunities you’re going to get.”

Morway’s name was up for consideration during the 2014 NWSL Draft in January, though she said that she was not expecting a team to select her. Following the draft, Morway reached out to her longtime club coach, Eclipse Select President and Red Stars head coach Rory Dames.

“I expressed interest to him that I still wanted to try and continue to play,” Morway said. “Obviously having Rory as a coach for so many years growing up, he knows my capabilities and didn’t want me to stop playing. I am willing to put the time and effort into doing this, and so I decided after my spring semester to give this a shot.”

For more, visit EclipseSelect.org.

Eclipse Select Alumni: Jovanovic earns weekly award from UAA

University of Chicago's Natalia Jovanovic

CHICAGO (Oct. 30, 2013) -- Eclipse Select Soccer Club alumna and University of Chicago senior forward Natalia Jovanovic (Gurnee, Ill.) earned University Athletic Association Athlete of the Week honors. Jovanovic scored both goals, including an overtime game-winner, in last Wednesday’s 2-1 victory against the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. For the season, Jovanovic has five goals and eight assists.

In other alumni news, Michelle Prokof (Gurnee, Ill.) scored her eighth goal of the season to lead TCU to a 1-0 win against Iowa State last Friday in Big 12 play. ... Goalkeeper Aryn Newsom (Manteno, Ill.) made five saves in a 3-0 win against Drake as Illinois State clinched the outright regular-season title in the Missouri Valley Conference on Sunday. ... Former Florida State defender Casey Short (Naperville, Ill.) is joining the National Women's Soccer League's Chicago Red Stars for 2014.

For more, visit EclipseSelect.org.

Eclipse Select's Chicago Red Stars Preview Series

CHICAGO (April 13, 2013) - The National Women’s Soccer League kicks off its first campaign this weekend, with the Chicago Red Stars opening against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday (5 p.m., Village of Lisle – Benedictine University Sports Complex).

The Red Stars roster consists of five players with ties to Eclipse Select Soccer Club: midfielders Leslie Osborne and Julianne Sitch, defenders Rachel Quon and Jackie Santacaterina and goalkeeper Taylor Vancil.

Slide Tackles Communications caught up with all five players. Here are a few snippets:

Leslie Osborne / Chicago Red Stars

LESLIE OSBORNE (Brookfield, Wis.): On reuniting with Eclipse Select President Rory Dames, the Red Stars’ head coach:
“Rory had a huge impact on me when I was a youth player, and at an instrumental age. He has been a mentor and a coach that influenced me as a person and as a player. For me to have the opportunity to come back and play for him again as a professional and be close to my family is a very unique opportunity, and it felt right to do. We have a very good relationship with our communication and respect, so I really appreciate that. I have already learned a lot in the last month playing for him again. I’m excited to continue to grow as a player and person, and as a professional from him, as well.”

Rachel Quon / Chicago Red Stars

RACHEL QUON (Lake Forest, Ill.): On what it was like getting drafted by the Red Stars in January:
“Although the memory was a little blurry since it was only 6 a.m. back at Stanford when the draft was happening, I was very excited to find out I would be playing in Chicago once again. I was grateful to know that I could continue pursuing my passion and do what I love every day.”

Julianne Sitch / Chicago Red Stars

JULIANNE SITCH (Oswego, Ill.): On having the chance to play her home games within 15 miles of her hometown:
“I’ve been lucky to have such a great following through my community, family and friends. They have been supporting me my whole career and it’s great to be able to play close to home for them. They’ve sat through some bad weather to support me. For all of that, I am very grateful to have people like them in my life.”

Jackie Santacaterina / Chicago Red Stars

JACKIE SANTACATERINA (Geneva, Ill.): On the training environment among the Red Stars team and the anticipation of the league:
“I am so happy that the league is back up and running. It’s a competitive, cutthroat environment, but it makes you work and earn your spot every single session. You can learn so much by just watching the example our veteran players have set. I get to train with Olympians and World Cup champions. I’ve taken something positive away from training every day.”

Taylor Vancil / Chicago Red Stars

TAYLOR VANCIL (South Elgin, Ill.): On what it means to represent the Red Stars and community having been a local product through her club days at Eclipse Select:
“Having gone to St. Charles North High School, living in that area for a few years, and playing for Eclipse, it has been such a cool experience to come back and see familiar faces. It means a lot to me to be able to represent the Chicago Red Stars. From the top down, it is such a fantastic organization of hard working people who want nothing more than to provide good role models for kids and to help grow the women’s professional game here in the U.S. It doesn’t get much better than being able to show girls in middle school and high school that you can achieve your dreams if you’re willing to work hard and keep a positive attitude. I hope that we will be able to maintain the NWSL so that girls across the country will have something to aspire to for years to come.”

For the latest Eclipse Select Soccer Club news, visit EclipseSelect.org, and for more about the Chicago Red Stars, visit ChicagoRedStars.net.

Four Eclipse Select alumni picked at inaugural 2013 NWSL Draft

L-R: Boston M/D Casey Short, Chicago D Rachel Quon,
Chicago GK Taylor Vancil, Seattle GK Haley Kopmeyer

CHICAGO -- Reflective of their high-caliber club and collegiate careers, four Eclipse Select Soccer Club alumni were chosen among the 32 players at the 2013 National Women's Soccer League College Draft held on Friday at the NSCAA Convention in Indianapolis.

The highest-picked representative from Eclipse Select at the draft was midfielder/defender Casey Short (Naperville, Ill.), who was the No. 5 overall selection by the Boston Breakers.

"It's such an incredible opportunity. It's a dream come true," Short said. "I've always dreamed of being able to play professionally, and to be playing with some of the best players in the country that I've looked up to all my life, I'm so blessed and excited for this opportunity."

Chicago soccer fans will not have to travel too far to see two of Eclipse Select's own as defender Rachel Quon (Lake Forest, Ill.) and goalkeeper Taylor Vancil (South Elgin, Ill.) were picked by the Chicago Red Stars who are coached by Eclipse Select President Rory Dames.

Former Eclipse Select goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer (Troy, Mich.) was the 31st overall selection and a fourth-round pick by Seattle Reign FC.

For the latest Eclipse Select news, visit www.EclipseSelect.org.

Three Red Stars earn All-WPSL First Team accolades for 2011 campaign

Jackie Santacaterina - Chicago Red Stars

By Chicago Red Stars and WPSL Communications

The Women's Premier Soccer League announced Friday that Chicago Red Stars forward Michele Weissenhofer (Naperville, Ill.), midfielder Amanda Cinalli (Cleveland, Ohio) and defender Jackie Santacaterina (Geneva, Ill.) have been named to the All-WPSL First Team. All three players were named to the WPSL All-Midwest Conference Team on Thursday.

Weissenhofer led the Red Stars in points (30) and assists (10), and tied for the team lead in goals (10) in 13 games played. Cinalli had 10 goals, two assists and 22 points in 13 matches. And Santacaterina contributed a goal and anchored a Red Stars defense that allowed only seven goals in 13 games, including a six-game shutout streak heading into the WPSL Semifinals.

Read more at WPSL.info.

Red Stars' Weissenhofer named WPSL Midwest Co-Player of Year

By Chicago Red Stars and WPSL Communications

Chicago Red Stars forward Michele Weissenhofer (Naperville, Ill.) was named the Women's Premier Soccer League Midwest Co-Player of the Year, and Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames was named WPSL Midwest Coach of the Year after guiding Chicago to a runner-up finish in the 2011 WPSL National Championship on July 31 at Benedictine University.

Weissenhofer, Red Stars midfielder Amanda Cinalli (Cleveland, Ohio) and Red Stars defender Jackie Santacaterina (Geneva, Ill.) were named to the All-Midwest Team.

Weissenhofer shared the Midwest honor with FC Milwaukee Nationals forward Sarah Hagen. Weissenhofer had 10 goals and 10 assists during the 2011 campaign, and she factored into all of the Red Stars' goals during the WPSL Semifinal and Championship.

Read more at WPSL.info.

Red Stars' Ewing highlights 2011 WPSL All-Championship Team

Julie Ewing -- Chicago Red Stars

Chicago Red Stars & WPSL Communications

CHICAGO - Chicago Red Stars midfielders Julie Ewing and Kara Kabellis and defender Sammy Scofield were named to the 2011 WPSL All-Championship Team.

Ewing in particular had a standout Championship weekend for Chicago, scoring two of the Red Stars' three goals in the final two matches, including a dramatic 88th-minute tally in the WPSL National Championship to force overtime against the Orange County Waves.

Red Stars forward Michele Weissenhofer, who had a goal and two assists, was an honorable mention selection.

Read more at WPSL.info.

Red Stars fall short in title game

The Red Stars' Julie Ewing (right)
and Orange County's Brittany Klein

Chicago Red Stars Communications

LISLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Red Stars (11-2-0) and Orange County Waves (13-1-0) provided plenty of drama. In the end, it was Tanya Taylor's 101st-minute goal that proved to be the difference as the Waves won, 2-1, in overtime to earn the 2011 Women's Premier Soccer League National Championship on Sunday at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex.

The Waves appeared to have the title wrapped up in regulation with a 1-0 lead. But Red Stars midfielder Julie Ewing scored a dramatic game-tying goal in the 88th minute to send the match into two 15-minute overtime sessions. Michele Weissenhofer had the setup with a flip throw-in from the right side. The ball juggled around in the middle of the box and Ewing converged to tie the match at 1-1.

Read more at WPSL.info.

Red Stars advance to title match

Red Stars Michele Weissenhofer, Julie Ewing

Chicago Red Stars Communications

LISLE, Ill. - The Chicago Red Stars fended off a pesky Tampa Bay Hellenic side and earned a 2-1 victory on Saturday in the second Women's Premier Soccer League National Semifinal played at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex. The Red Stars (11-1-0) face the Orange County Waves (12-1-0) in Sunday's WPSL National Championship, which kicks off at 1 p.m. The Waves defeated defending WPSL champion Boston Aztec (8-3-3) by a 3-0 score in the first National Semifinal.

On Saturday, Red Stars forward Michele Weissenhofer had a goal and assisted Chicago's second and game-winning tally from Julie Ewing. For Hellenic, Tatiana Mathelier netted a goal to cut Tampa Bay's deficit to 2-1. But the Red Stars held on the rest of the way.

"We were trying to find our rhythm a little bit, and we never really found our rhythm today," Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames said. "We're going to need to show up [against Orange County] and play better than we did today. [OC Head Coach] Abner [Rogers] always does a good job with his teams. They'll get the ball down, they'll play some sort of three-front [formation], they'll try to find seams and try to do a lot of service into the box. We're just going to have to be intelligent enough to play where we have the numerical advantages and break them down."

Read more at WPSL.info.

Red Stars gear up for WPSL semis

Sammy Scofield -- Chicago Red Stars

Chicago Red Stars Communications

CHICAGO -- The 2011 Women's Premier Soccer League Championship field is set, with four organizations making their way to the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex out of a 62-team field.

The host Chicago Red Stars face Tampa Bay Hellenic in the second semifinal match this Saturday at Benedictine (3 p.m. kickoff). The defending WPSL champion Boston Aztec Breakers Reserves open the tournament against the Orange County Waves at 1 p.m. On Sunday, the semifinal winners square off in the 2011 WPSL National Championship at 1 p.m. at Benedictine.

The host Red Stars (10-1-0) won the Midwest Conference and take on Tampa Bay Hellenic (10-1-1), the winner of the Sunshine Conference. Chicago joined the WPSL this season after two campaigns in Women's Professional Soccer, and needless to say the Red Stars are currently the hottest team in the league with a 10-game winning streak.

The Red Stars are led by Michele Weissenhofer, who has nine goals, eight assists and 26 points; and Amanda Cinalli, who leads Chicago with 10 goals while also contributing an assist and 21 points. The Red Stars have been dominant both offensively and defensively all season. During Chicago's past six matches, the team has outscored its opponents by a staggering 30-0 margin. For the year, the Red Stars have an incredible 43-4 scoring advantage.

CLICK HERE for the live webcast for both semifinal matches.

Read more at WPSL.info.

WPSL webcasting semis, title game

Julie Ewing -- Chicago Red Stars

CHICAGO -- The Women's Premier Soccer League, Chicago Red Stars and webcast partner Ollin Omnimedia announce that the 2011 WPSL Semifinals and Championship will include a live webcast of three matches this Saturday and Sunday as the Red Stars host the event at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill.

The webcast schedule features Saturday's semifinal matchups of the Orange County Waves vs. Boston Aztec Breakers Reserves (1 p.m. kickoff) and the Chicago Red Stars vs. Tampa Bay Hellenic (3 p.m. kickoff); then the WPSL National Championship at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The 2011 WPSL National Championship webcasts will be accessible at www.ChicagoRedStars.com and www.WPSL.info.

"WPSL and the Chicago Red Stars know it is important to make sure that fans across the country can see our Championship teams compete this weekend," Red Stars Owner Arnim Whisler said. "... WPSL and the Championship teams are proud of the product that they have on the field. Broadcasting and webcasting are part of a commitment to being in an elite league, and the games should be available to fans who cannot attend."

WPSL announces semifinal matchups

The four Women's Premier Soccer League semifinalist field is set when the Chicago Red Stars host the 2011 WPSL National Championship from July 30-31 at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill.

The Red Stars face the Tampa Bay Hellenic at 3 p.m. Saturday, and the Boston Aztec Breakers Reserves face the Orange County Waves at 1 p.m. Saturday. The semifinal winners meet for the WPSL Championship at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Read more at WPSL.info.

Red Stars open pre-sale for July 30-31 WPSL Semifinals, Championship

Chicago Red Stars Communications

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Red Stars announce a special pre-sale for the 2011 Women's Premier Soccer League Semifinals and Championship, which take place from July 30-31 at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill.

Fans who book their seats before July 25 will have an opportunity to take advantage of discounted ticket rates for the semifinals and championship.

For details, visit RedStarsGear.com.

Red Stars advance to WPSL quarters

Chicago Red Stars Communications

DUBLIN, Ohio -- The Chicago Red Stars captured the Midwest crown on Sunday with another convincing victory, posting a 4-0 win over Midwest-North Division rival FC Milwaukee Nationals to advance to the quarterfinals of this year's Women's Premier Soccer League playoffs.

Leading the way for Chicago was Michele Weissenhofer (Naperville, Ill.) with two goals. Julie Ewing (Batavia, Ill.) and Amanda Cinalli (Cleveland, Ohio) also tallied scores as Chicago advances to face Tampa Bay Hellenic next weekend in Tampa, Fla.

Read more at WPSL.info.

Red Stars oust 2-time WPSL champion FC Indiana from playoffs

Amanda Cinalli -- Chicago Red Stars

Chicago Red Stars Communications

DUBLIN, Ohio -- The Chicago Red Stars opened their first Women's Premier Soccer League postseason match in style with a 4-0 victory over two-time WPSL champion FC Indiana on Saturday at Dublin Jerome High School.

Midfielder Amanda Cinalli (Cleveland, Ohio), the Red Stars' goals leader during the regular season, scored two goals in her home state to lead Chicago on Saturday. Forward Michele Weissenhofer (Naperville, Ill.) and midfielder Julie Ewing (Batavia, Ill.) also added goals, and goalkeeper Jamie Forbes (Batavia, Ill.) posted two saves for the clean sheet.

The Red Stars topped an FC Indiana organization that had won the WPSL during the 2005 and 2007 seasons.

Visit WPSL.info for more WPSL news.

Red Stars-Eclipse game canceled

Shannon McDonnell -- Chi. Red Stars

Chicago Red Stars Communications

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Red Stars' final regular-season game in Women's Premier Soccer League play has been canceled.

The Red Stars were scheduled to play Eclipse Select for a Tuesday match open only to Red Stars Supporters Club members. But because the game will not impact the standings, both teams and the league have agreed to allow the match to not be played.

The game will not be rescheduled. The Red Stars already have finalized their position with the Midwest-North Division title, and Eclipse is out of the postseason picture. The match is a mutual cancellation and does not count as a forfeit.

The Red Stars wrapped up the WPSL regular season as the top seed in the Midwest-North with an 8-1-0 record and will face the No. 2 seed of the Midwest-South Division, FC Indiana, in a postseason match. FC Indiana plays its final regular-season match Monday night against Hammer FC, but Indiana already has clinched second place behind top Midwest-South seed Ohio Premier Women's SC.

For the latest Red Stars news, visit WPSL.info.

Red Stars clinch Midwest-North

Red Stars Amanda Cinalli (L) and Shayla Mutz

Chicago Red Stars Communications

LISLE, Ill. -- The Chicago Red Stars posted their most dominant offensive performance of the season, defeating Minnesota Kings FC, 9-0, on Sunday to clinch the Midwest-North Division title in Women's Premier Soccer League play at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex.

Amanda Cinalli (Cleveland, Ohio) and Shayla Mutz (Homer Glen, Ill.) each netted two goals to lead the way for the Red Stars, who earned the division's top seed ahead of FC Milwaukee Nationals.

The top two seeds of the Midwest-North and Midwest-South advance to the postseason. With the Red Stars (8-1-0, 24 points) winning the Midwest-North, top-seeded Chicago currently is set to face FC Indiana if the standings hold. FC Milwaukee Nationals has clinched the No. 2 seed in the Midwest-North and would face Ohio Premier Women's SC if the current standings hold. Postseason details are forthcoming.

The Red Stars avenged a season-opening 1-0 loss to Minnesota on June 1. That match has been Chicago's lone blemish to date as the Red Stars have posted eight straight victories since.

For the latest Red Stars news, visit WPSL.info.

Red Stars look to clinch division title

Julie Ewing -- Chicago Red Stars

Chicago Red Stars Communications

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Red Stars are in the driver's seat of the Women's Premier Soccer League's Midwest-North Division, and they potentially can clinch a division crown this weekend.

Chicago hosts Minnesota Kings FC at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Ill. Tickets are only $10 for general admission seating. For tickets and more information about the Red Stars, visit www.ChicagoRedStars.com. The match includes a live webcast, which will be accessible through www.RedStarsGear.com.

Sunday's match potentially represents the Red Stars' division clincher, and it would take place against the only team that has defeated Chicago this season. Host Minnesota edged the Red Stars, 1-0, on June 1, but Chicago has posted a six-game winning streak since then, outscoring its opponents 21-3 during this stretch to take the Midwest-North lead.

"The team is just starting to hit its stride," Red Stars Head Coach Rory Dames said. "Our best soccer is still ahead of us."

CLICK HERE to read the full Red Stars press release.

Patch.com: Chicago Red Stars welcome Weissenhofer home

Michele Weissenhofer -- Chicago Red Stars

By Paul Johnson
Patch.com

Neuqua Valley graduate Michele Weissenhofer has seen soccer take her around the country and around the globe, since leaving the Wildcats in 2005.

Weissenhofer starred at Notre Dame for four years, spent time with the U.S. U-21 national team and even played soccer professionally in Germany.

Now Weissenhofer is back home, playing with the Chicago Red Stars of the Women’s Premier Soccer League. Weissenhofer and the Red Stars play the second of two dates at Benedictine University in Lisle on Sunday at 6 p.m. against the Minnesota Kings FC.

“It’s been really fun, actually,” Weissenhofer said. “We have a great bunch of girls on the team. I think that’s a lot of it. I think everyone gets along well. We have some older players and some young players, but we mesh really well still. We just continue to get better.”

Read more at Patch.com.