Chicago Lions FC Soccer Club: A Deep Dive

A Brief History of the Club

The Chicago Lions FC soccer club was established in 2019 as a professional soccer team based in Chicago, Illinois. The club currently competes in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), a Division III league in the United States soccer pyramid. The Lions play their home matches at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.

In their inaugural season, the Lions finished in fifth place in the NISA standings, narrowly missing out on a playoff berth. The following year, the team improved to a third-place finish, but again fell short of the playoffs. In 2023, the Lions are looking to make a push for the championship, with a strong roster and a new head coach.

Club Ownership and Management

The Chicago Lions FC is owned by a group of investors led by businessman Andrew Hauptman. Hauptman is also the owner of the Chicago Red Stars, a professional women's soccer team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The Lions are managed by a team of experienced soccer executives, including general manager Nelson Rodriguez and head coach Sammy Jones.

Home Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium

The Chicago Lions FC play their home matches at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The stadium has a capacity of 20,000 and is also home to the Chicago Red Stars. SeatGeek Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for fans.

Current Roster and Key Players

The Chicago Lions FC have assembled a strong roster for the 2023 season. The team is led by captain and defender Matt Bahner, who has been with the Lions since their inaugural season. Other key players include midfielder Christian Diaz, forward Alec Ferrell, and goalkeeper Alex Kapp. The Lions also have a number of promising young players, including midfielder C.J. Sapong and defender Justin Reynolds.