Darien Location Staff

Patrick grew up in Plainfield and currently resides in Darien, Ill. In addition to coaching, I’m an award-winning journalist. I worked in television news for many years, and I currently cover the Chicago Fire as a reporter for SB Nation. I’m also a father of two boys who play at Eclipse. Currently holds a USSF D License.

Why Did you join Eclipse Select Soccer Club?
It’s a great club with a positive culture, where we teach the sport the right way.

What do you enjoy the most about coaching?
I love that I get to share my love of soccer with the next generation of players. it’s the best sport in the world!

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse is a club that genuinely cares about your development as a player. We will push you to be your best, and we will work to put you in positions that will be fun and challenging.

Grew up in Naperville, Ill., and currently resides in Chicago, Ill with his wife Kelcey… Graduated from the University of Dayton in 2015 with a degree in Sport Management and a minor in Business Administration… Gained experiences after college with the University of Dayton’s Sports Information Department, the United States Hockey League Office, and the Chicago Steel (USHL)… Hired by the Columbus Crew SC as a Ticket Sales Representative prior to joining Eclipse Select in 2017.

Played for Chicago Magic and Chicago Fire Jr. Academies while in High School winning two State Cup Titles in 2009 and 2011… a two-year starting Varsity soccer athlete at Neuqua Valley High School from 2009-2010… Setting the NVHS single-season record in wins in 2009 and receiving a ranking of second in the country by TopDrawerSoccer.com… Currently enrolled in graduate school at the Olivet Nazarene University for a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership… Has contributed to building the Darien Location from two teams into seven from U-7 to U-12 age groups… Currently holds a USSF E Coaching License.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
There was an exciting brand new position opening with the club. I already had a built-up relationship with many of the current staff and I would be working back where I grew up. Working with the top youth teams in the state and one of the best clubs in the country was a great opportunity for me.

What do you like the most about coaching?
Having the ability to share my experiences and everything I learned from the many great coaches I developed under. Taking those experiences and lessons I learned and giving back to the next generation of players. Seeing players eventually grasp the concepts and enjoy the process as much as I did when I was their age is an unparalleled feeling.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Players should join Eclipse because of the tremendous competitive environment the club creates for its players with a real focus on mastering the fundamentals of the game. This results in exponential development. Eclipse is constantly developing the top talent in the area and giving every opportunity for players to reach their fullest potential.

Grew up in Bolingbrook, Ill. and currently resides in Downers Grove, Ill… Youth career consisted of playing club soccer at Sports Club, which was the pioneering group of that organization that turned into the Chicago Magic… Played Division I soccer at the University of Illinois-Chicago… Joined Eclipse Select in 1998… Currently holds a USSF B coaching license.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
Rory Dames and Mike Nesci had the same vision for youth development as I did and we believed we could make this imprint on youth soccer in the Chicago area.

What do you like the most about coaching?
Helping kids reach their potential and learn to work hard and push through barriers to get to their goals

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
It is one of only a handful of options in which players can play at any level, including the highest level in the nation. Most other options cannot provide the best players the opportunities that we can. Players can actually be part of a program that has a proven pathway to the highest level of soccer if they have the desire and commitment to get there. It’s not for everyone, but everyone has the opportunity.