North Location Staff

Sal has been coaching youth soccer teams and developing youth soccer players for close to three decades. He has been part of the coaching staff for some of the biggest and most successful clubs in the country, including the Chicago Magic Soccer Club and Eclipse Select Soccer Club. In 2014, Sal started his own youth soccer club, named North Central United, to provide an outlet and high-level soccer training for talented soccer players, boys and girls, from Waukegan and the surrounding communities. Sal’s hard work paid off quickly as in 2017, two North Central United teams, one boy’s team, and one girl’s team won National Championships and a third boys team won a State Championship.

Sal graduated from Waukegan H.S. in 1987. Sal was a four-year varsity starter on the Bulldog soccer team. During his four years as a Bulldog, Sal garnered many honors on the soccer field including All-Conference his Sophomore year and All-Conference and All-Sectional his Junior year. During Sal’s Senior year, he was named All-Conference, All-Sectional, and All-Midwest. Additionally, during Sal’s Senior year, he was named a First Team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. This honor placed Sal amongst the top 11 soccer players in the country for his graduating class. During his Senior year, Sal also broke the single-season scoring record by netting 27 goals. The scoring record was previously held by his coach at that time and Waukegan Sports Hall of Famer Rommel Guzman.

After graduating from Waukegan H.S., Sal attended Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida on a full soccer scholarship. Sal was a four-year starter at Jacksonville and was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference team his Junior and Senior years. He was also named to the All-South Region team his Senior year. Sal made a lasting impact on the Jacksonville soccer program as years after he graduated, he was named to the Jacksonville University All-Decades team, which represented the best players to play for Jacksonville during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Sal graduated from Jacksonville University in 1991 with a double major in Marketing and Management.

Sal and his wife Cecilia currently live in Waukegan. They have two children. Sal Jr graduated from Lake Forest College in 2019 with a major in Finance and a minor in Computer Science, and Jasmine, who graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans in 2020 with a degree in Art History, Anthropology and Latin American Studies. Jasmine is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO. He currently holds a USSF National D License.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
Eclipse offers platforms for all levels of play, providing opportunities for all players to advance to higher levels as they develop within the program.

What do you like the most about coaching?
Seeing the results on the field of the player’s hard work and focus during training sessions.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse offers multiple platforms so that all players will have the opportunity to play at their skill level and progress to the next level when they are ready.

Grew up and currently resides in Libertyville, Ill… Attended Libertyville High School and was a three-time All-Conference and a three-time All-Area player, as well as a two-time All-Sectional player… Lead Libertyville to a state championship in 2001 while garnering offensive MVP honors… Played soccer for Eclipse for eight years winning four state cup championships and two regional championships… Two-time national finalist and two-time national champion with the Eclipse U23’s… Played Division I college soccer at Southeast Missouri State University and graduated in 2007… Won one regular-season championship and two tournament championships advancing to the NCAA tournament in 2006 and 2007… Led the team in goals and points as a freshman and sophomore and was also named player of the week once… Four-time Academic All-Conference selection and captain of the team her senior year… Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and is a Sports Clinical Specialist… Currently holds a USSF E coaching license.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
I grew up playing for the club and giving back and coaching for the club that you played for is rewarding.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
The tradition and track record of the club for developing elite teams and players.

Grew up and currently resides in Northbrook, Ill… Joined Eclipse Select in 2019… Currently holds a USSF A license, an NSCAA Premier Diploma, and a Youth National License.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
I joined Eclipse for many reasons, but foremost was the opportunity to work with great leaders and coaches. The only way to advance as a coach is to be pushed by your peers and Eclipse has some of the best youth coaches.

What do you like the most about coaching?
I like working with athletes to achieve team and individual goals. When the team succeeds the player succeeds. Being a part of a player accomplishing their goals is highly satisfying and makes it all worthwhile.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
If a player is looking to take his/her game to the next level or compete in high-level soccer leagues then Eclipse is the place. Eclipse’s challenging and demanding environment builds elite soccer players.

Grew up in Saint Charles, Ill… Assistant Coach – Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Illinois-Chicago 2014-2018 Serving as the goalkeeper coach… Coached two-time Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year Kelly Fritz, who has also placed on the All-Horizon League First Team twice… Took UIC to a program-best 1.59 GAA in 2017 while securing 18 total shutouts… Played Division I soccer at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee career ranking second in all-time minutes played, wins and shutouts… Her 27 career shutouts also rank second in Horizon League history… Named Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year in 2011… Participated in four NCAA tournaments, winning the Horizon League regular season all four seasons… Played three seasons with the Chicago Red Stars from 2010-2012… 2007,2008 USYS Region II Champions, 2009 USYS National Finalist… Listed as the top goalkeeper in the Chicago area by the Chicago Sun-Times … Eclipse Select was twice the No. 1 team in the nation and was No. 3 in 2008… Currently holds an NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Advanced National Goalkeeper Diplomas as well as a USSF D coaching license.

Why did you Join Eclipse?
Eclipse is home for me. Being an alum, I was eager to get back into the club environment and give back what the club gave me. Being able to start up the North site is exciting and I am looking forward to seeing it grow.

Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
If you want a club that is passionate about the game of soccer and being a family, Eclipse is the right place for you. Not only are the players developed as players, but also as young adults. Being recognized as a top club in the US, college exposure is high for the players.