Staff
See coaching staff by location:
ECNL Girls Staff ECNL Boys Staff East Location Staff West Location Staff North Location Staff Darien Location Staff
Front Office and Directors of Coaching
Mike Nesci
Grew up in Orland Park, Ill. and currently resides in Aurora, Ill… Played Division I soccer at Bradley University where he was captain of the team… Involved and directly coached a number of National Championships in the USYS, ECNL, WAGS, and Disney Showcase in 20 years at the club… Currently holds a USSF D coaching license… Joined Eclipse in 2001.
Most recently won the 2020-21 ECNL National Championship at the U-18/19 age group.
Why did you Join Eclipse?
I joined Eclipse to consolidate the top talent in the Chicagoland area with the vision to have consistent success at the state, regional, and National level in a variety of competitions.
What do you like the most about coaching?
The opportunity to affect people’s lives through the game of soccer.
Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse is a proven pathway to individual development and team success.
Lou Reina
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.
Sarah Dames
Grew up in Lake Zurich, Ill., and currently resides in Arlington Heights, Ill… Played collegiately at Marquette University… Sweet Sixteen in 2005… Played one season professionally for Allmänna Idrottsklubben in Stockholm, Sweden… Been a part of the Eclipse front office staff since 2007… Currently holds a USSF E coaching license.
Why did you Join Eclipse?
Eclipse Select is home to me and my family! I love working with an elite organization that has a rich tradition of success on and off the soccer field and provides a unique opportunity and environment for student-athletes and families.
Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse Select is built on a tradition of excellence and family. It provides a challenging environment for development as a player and a person and has produced an outstanding pool of alumni. Being a part of the Eclipse Family is an overall excellent experience!
Katie Milne
Katie grew up and currently resides in Lake Zurich, Ill… Played at Clemson University and transferred to play at Colorado College, both DI programs… Represented Team USA at the 2015 World University Games in Gwangju, South Korea… Co-Captain of 91/92 Eclipse Select… 5x State Cup Champions… 3x Regional Champions… 2x National Finalists and 1x National Champions.
Why Did you join Eclipse Select Soccer Club?
Eclipse was a huge part of my life in such formative years and really shaped my habits, work ethic, and mentality which I have been able to carry over into my professional career outside of soccer. The competitive environment and family aspect that Eclipse offers is something I have missed.
Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse is an elite club that truly lives up to its mantra of “dedicated to family, built on tradition, committed to excellence”.
General Club Questions, Tryouts, and Registration.
Cleo Huitron
Grew up in East Aurora, Ill. and currently resides in Aurora, Ill… Played Division I soccer at Northern Illinois University… Graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (NIU) and an MBA (Keller Graduate School)… Super Y League Champions (2016 and 2017)… Boys NPL Finalist (2016)… Danone Nations Cup Champion USA (2016)… NPL 1 League Champions 2004 & 2005 Boys… State Champion 2019… State Runner Up 2019… Two US Club Regional Champion 2019… US Club National Cup Champion 2019… US Club Regional Champion 2019… US Club National Cup Finalist 2019… ENPL National Finalist 2019… 2019 ECNL Midwest U15 Conference Champions… Currently holds USSF E and D licenses… Joined Eclipse Select in 2017.
Most recently won the inaugural 2020-21 ECNL National Championship at the U-17 age group… and 2021 US Club National Champions at the U-15 and U-17 age groups.
Why did you Join Eclipse?
It was the inaugural season of the Boys ECNL platform. I was offered the opportunity to run the West Location and coach in the Boys ECNL.
What do you like the most about coaching?
I love helping develop young athletes to reach their full potential and becoming great people along the way. Through work ethic, discipline, dedication, resiliency, persistence, and respect we work together to bring out the best in each other. It is a continuous cycle of self-motivation to share the passion of the game.
Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
No other club will have the passion to develop kids as we do, no one else will put in the long hours to achieve it, and we share the commitment that the family makes.
Jamie Forbes
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.
Hannah Morway
Grew up in Lake Villa, IL, and currently resides in Wheaton, IL. Graduated from Western Michigan University in 2022 with a degree in Communications and Marketing.
Played with Eclipse for 7 years, won 3 consecutive Presidents Cup state championships, 2x regional championships, and one national final appearance.
Why did you join Eclipse Select Soccer Club?
I joined Eclipse because of the club’s core values and ongoing commitment to family, tradition, and excellence since day one. Having been connected to the club my entire life through my siblings’ playing careers as well as my own, I’ve seen firsthand that Eclipse Select Soccer Club has always and will continue to operate with these principles in mind.
Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
The experience and opportunities provided at Eclipse are truly like no other. From intensive training and abundant opportunities to improve among the best of the best, the coaching staff at Eclipse will do everything in their power to help you reach your goals.
Coaching Staff
Joe Tortorich
Grew up in Berwyn, IL, and began playing soccer at 4 years old. Played club soccer for the Berwyn Blazers, Dupage County Attack, Hinsdale USA, and the Chicago Sockers; high school soccer at St. Joseph High School (Westchester, IL) and collegiate soccer at the University of Chicago. Joe now resides in Darien with his wife Lauren and their four awesome kids who all play for Eclipse.
Why did you join Eclipse?
My sons introduced me to Eclipse shortly after they started playing as they transitioned from recreational to club soccer. Once they began playing with Eclipse, I learned about the culture and felt the awesome energy. Coaching courses soon followed for me and I’m honored to now be a part of the amazing Eclipse Staff.
What do you like the most about coaching?
My favorite part of coaching is the personal development I see in our players, both on the field and off it. While our players improve as athletes, they also improve as people; growing each day, taking on challenges, working hard, showing up to improve, and balancing soccer with school work and other responsibilities. When this culminates in a smile and a passion for the world’s best sport, it brings me the greatest joy and I feel immensely proud
Why should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse Select is a family. We look out for one another and we put our players first. We compete hard and at the highest levels but there’s an attention to detail that transcends soccer. The player pathways that we develop are unique to each of our players and the relationships we develop with our families are very real and truly meaningful. It is an honor to be a part of Eclipse Select and I encourage all to become a part of our soccer family!
Jorge Perez
Grew up and currently resides in Bensenville, IL. Three-year varsity player for Fenton High School… Strikers Select Futsal and soccer coach for ten years…Currently holds US Grassroots and US Soccer E coaching licenses.
Why did you join Eclipse?
Eclipse is a highly respected club in the nation with very talented player pools that form strong ethics and hard work.
What do you like most about coaching?
Seeing the individual development of players from season to season and witnessing players’ passion for the game grow.
Why should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse provides a professional training environment for development both as a team and individually. The club also provides adequate competition for every player’s level, from the grassroots level up to the elite level. ECNL is a very competitive league for boys and girls that is very well organized.
Alex Munoz
Played for 2 years at the College of DuPage. Was ranked the #1 defender in the country for NJCAA Divison 3, awarded All-American, All-Conference, and Conference MVP. Made a National Finals appearance as a freshman. Currently holds E and D Licenses.
Why did you join Eclipse?
I was presented with an amazing opportunity to become part of the Eclipse coaching staff, and I am looking forward to a great first year.
What do you like the most about coaching?
I really enjoy seeing each player’s individual development throughout the season.
Why should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse offers the highest platform in girls’ soccer in the Midwest. If you want to play with the best, that opportunity is here.
Marc McElligott
Grew up in Dublin, Ireland… Joined Eclipse Select in 2007… Played in college with College of DuPage winning an NJCAA National title in 1993 before playing with Marycrest University and captaining the side to two conference titles… Coached with the Chicago Fire Development Academy for a few years before coming back to coach at the ECNL level in 2016.
Why did you Join Eclipse?
Because it is the best girl’s soccer club in Illinois.
Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
Eclipse is one of the top girls’ clubs in Illinois both in terms of its successes at a team level and in terms of creating a competitive environment for top players to excel and reach their top potential.
Juan Pablo Berruti
Born in Montevideo, Uruguay… Currently resides in Chicago, Ill… Played collegiately at Saint Xavier University from 1997-2001… Currently holds a USSF E License… NPL Champion Fall 2021… SuperCopa Campion 2022… US Youth Futsal Regional Champion in 2017, 2019, and 2022… US Youth Futsal National Champion 2017… Mayo Cup Champion 2022.
Why did you join Eclipse?
I was offered the opportunity to continue coaching at a great club that has the same vision as I do.
What do you like the most about coaching?
I enjoy working with kids and helping them achieve their goals.
Why should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
The club is very passionate about the game and it has a very solid foundation. It has a platform for all players to challenge themselves and show their abilities to play at the next level.
Patrick McCraney
Patrick grew up in Plainfield and currently resides in Darien, Ill. In addition to coaching, he’s an award-winning journalist and worked in television news for many years. Pat currently covers the Chicago Fire as a reporter. He is the father of two boys who play at Eclipse and recently heads the LDL programming Currently holds a USSF C 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.
LDL, Super Rec League, and Tots programing
Brian Rigby
Grew up in Toronto, Canada, and now resides in Chicago, Ill… Brian started and served as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at UIC 2012-2018. He has coached at the youth level and was also an assistant women’s head coach at DePaul University and Loyola University… He currently holds USSF A and USSF National Youth License, plus, a Master Coach and Soccer Leader Diploma, Premier Diploma, and Director of Coaches Diploma from the United Soccer Coaches organization.
What do you enjoy the most about coaching?
To play a part in the development and growth of players and helping them to achieve their personal goals and aspirations.
Why Should prospective players join Eclipse over other clubs in the area?
The club’s competitive training environment, quality coaches at all levels, and its membership providing access to the best leagues and tournaments in the country.