The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today that first assistant coach Mike Matkovich and fitness specialist Alvaro Briones will not return to the club for the 2011 MLS season, effective immediately. Matkovich served as first assistant coach for the Fire for two seasons and Briones joined the club in January.
“This was a difficult decision for the club to make,” said Fire Technical Director Frank Klopas. “Everyone at the Fire has tremendous respect for Mike and Alvaro, however, we have decided to go in another direction. We appreciate the contributions Mike and Alvaro made to the club and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.”
The Fire will resume training on Monday, Nov. 1 at 10:00 AM CT following a week off and the team’s 4-1 victory over Chivas USA to conclude the 2010 MLS season. The club will continue to train at the TOYOTA PARK practice field through Friday, Nov. 19.
