Chicago Soul News Release -- www.chicagosoulfc.com
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Soul FC of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) have signed veteran midfielder and two-time MISL champion Matthew Stewart to a three-year deal.
Stewart, 36, joins the Soul after spending the 2011-2012 campaign with the Milwaukee Wave, during which he earned his second MISL Championship with the squad. Prior to Milwaukee, Stewart played for the Rockford Rampage, where he served as captain and led the club in points (35), assists (9) and 3-point goals (2). His 16-year long professional playing career also consists of stints with the Chicago Storm (2004), Wave (2003-2004), El Paso Patriots (2002, 1997-1998), San Diego Sockers (2000-2003), and Houston Hotshots (1999-2000).
"I am very excited to be back in Chicago," said Stewart. "It's a great opportunity, and it's always exciting to be a part of a new franchise and an inaugural season. I look forward to working with some of my old teammates and friends again, as well as some new guys who will bring a lot to this organization."
Stewart, who has been named captain of the Soul, brings a great deal of experience to the club after serving as captain of the U.S. National Futsal Team in 2007, as well as representing the country in the 2008 Futsal World Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2008. He was also named to the 2012 U.S. roster for the CONCAAF Futsal Championship.
"It's great to have Matt on the team," said Chicago Soul Assistant Coach and Stewart's former teammate, Novi Marojevic. "He is an excellent player and person. He brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the organization. He is someone I think our young players can definitely learn a lot from on and off the field."
In addition to an impressive player resume, Stewart brings leadership experience to the club through his coaching resume. The El Paso, Texas native, who holds a USSF National "A" license, has served as a coach for Campton United and Plainfield Legends, as well as a camp director for the Wave and Storm.
"I intend on using everything I have learned from my experiences and the many coaches I have had over my 16 years in professional soccer to teach and help the younger guys," said Stewart on his role as a leader of a new and young club. "I plan to lead by example and do whatever it takes to help our team out."
The Soul will launch their inaugural season on Friday, November 2, 2012 in Syracuse, New York against the Silver Knights, and will kick off their home opener on Friday, December 7, 2012 against the Rochester Lancers at the Sears Centre Arena. For ticket information, please call (224) 484-8664.