Cletus is coming to Chicago.
On Friday, the Chicago Fire announced the third addition to new head coach and director of soccer Frank Yallop’s staff, as former US international and World Cup veteran Clint Mathis was named an assistant coach after most recently serving as the LA Galaxy camps and clinics supervisor.
In addition to Yallop, Mathis joins technical director Brian Bliss, assistant coach C.J. Brown and goalkeeper coach Aron Hyde as additions to the technical staff this offseason. He currently holds an A license from the U.S. Soccer Federation.
“Clint always played with an edge and was one of the most dynamic strikers to play in MLS,” Yallop said in a statement. “He has a wealth of knowledge from his playing career, both domestically and abroad, and at his most recent position with the Galaxy he gained invaluable experience developing young talent. He will be a great asset to our coaching staff, especially from an offensive perspective.”
Mathis is the lone member of the Fire staff with a background as an attacking player, his career honed in MLS with the Galaxy, MetroStars, Colorado Rapids, New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake. He also signed with German Bundesliga side Hannover 96 in 2004, scoring five goals in 17 matches, and spent time with Greek club Ergotelis.
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He also scored 12 goals in 46 appearances with the USMNT, the most important of which came in a 1-1 draw against hosts South Korea in the 2002 World Cup.
“I have tremendous respect for Frank and the team he’s assembling in Chicago,” Mathis said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to MLS with such a respected organization.”
