Former Chicago House AC (Heartland Conference) head coach Matt Poland has today been announced as the new head coach and sporting director of FC Naples, an expansion team in USL1.
Poland became Chicago House AC’s head coach in January 2022, having previously been an assistant coach to CJ Brown during Chicago House AC’s season in NISA. Over two and a half seasons at the helm of the Midwest Premier League side, he led the team to an impressive 21-10-5 record in all competitions. One of Poland’s most notable achievements was guiding Chicago House AC through a remarkable US Open Cup run in 2023, defeating the Milwaukee Bavarians and the USL1 side Forward Madison, before facing and eventually falling to MLS’s Chicago Fire.
Chicago House AC had already announced Poland’s departure on May 31st, indicating his move to a professional side. The confirmation of his new role at FC Naples marks a significant milestone in his career. Spencer Pappas was appointed as the head coach of Chicago House AC and the club currently is one point away from the top spot held by Bavarian United in the Midwest Premier League’s Heartland Conference Division 1, underscoring the team’s continued strength and competitiveness.