Time to bring Matko home

You may recall reading a blog on Dec. 19 titled, "Gift No. 6: Time for Chicago Fire to hire Mike Matkovich." If you didn't, take a second and read it. I'll even give you the link to make it easy - http://blogs.suntimes.com/cornerkicks/2007/12/.

While sitting with some college coaches at the Disney Soccer Showcase two weeks ago, I received a text from Matkovich on Dec. 30 stating that he interviewed with the Fire.

Amen.

The former Naperville North all-state star, Lewis University forward (that obtained two bachelor degrees - business and physical education), former Bolingbrook High School coach, former Lewis University coach, former Chicago Power coach, former Chicago Fire Premier coach, U.S. Men's National staff coach, Chicago Magic director and current Toronto FC (MLS) assistant coach has perfect local ties for this franchise. The Magic is the No. 1 club in the country that has produced a number of current MLS players - Brad Guzan, Ned Grabavoy, Quavas Kirk, Jed Zayner and Ricardo Clark.

As I said before - this organization needs to put the ego aside and realize the positive impact a hire like this would send through the Chicagoland soccer community. What does it say when a hometown organization can't see the talent right down the street, but an MLS organization in a different country can?