The Concordia University Chicago men's soccer team, like many others, were forced to play their regular fall 2020 season in the spring of 2021. As the team prepares for an unprecedented turnaround this fall, Head Coach Michael Arango is taking no time away from the game. 

Arango is an assistant coach for the Chicago Fire Juniors City 2006 boys team. Earlier this month, his team finished in third place at the National Premier League Finals in Denver, Colo. They were one of four teams out of 22 divisions to reach the finals. 

The team completed their eight-match qualification season through the US Club circuit with an outstanding 7-1 record, outscoring opponents by 22 goals in that time. Their impressive season earned them a spot in the regional tournament, where they finished as one of the top two teams. From there, they earned their spot at Nationals, where they dropped their first match before tying their final two.

"It was a lot of fun working with this group over the last year," Arango said. "I loved having the chance to assist Coach Matt Bond and get all the way to Nationals. It was a great way to cap off the year with such talented kids."