Chicago Red Eleven Press Release, Contact:  Lisa Carrillo, Public Relations Assistant

Naperville, Ill.--The Chicago Red Eleven women’s soccer team of USL’s W-League and team owner Ted Gradel have announced David Nikolic as head coach and director of soccer operations for the 2010 season.  Nikolic replaces Tony Anglin, who coached the club during its inaugural season in 2009.

"I am very excited to have a coach with David’s connections and enthusiasm join our organization," said Gradel.  "I believe David has a great knowledge of the local and regional soccer scene and will be a great benefit to Red Eleven as we continue to grow as a club."  Nikolic is the associate head coach for women’s soccer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a position in which he will continue concurrent to his work with Red Eleven.  He has been at UWM for 16 years, and has helped guide the Panthers to six NCAA Tournament appearances, 10 regular season Horizon League championships, and five league tournament titles.

Nikolic is also a USSF "B" licensed coach and is a Region II Olympic Development Program staff coach.  He has coached with the Region II ODP program for 13 years, taking teams to the Region II ODP finals in 1999, 2001, and 2003.  Currently, Nikolic is the head coach of the Region II Girls 1992 ODP and has toured with the team to Germany in 2008 and Portugal in 2009.  In 2002, he coached the FC Milwaukee U23 Men’s team to a win at the regional championships and a third place finish nationally.

Gradel has also introduced Greg Muhr as an assistant W-League coach, and head coach of the U23/U20 team for the 2010 season.  Muhr is currently a staff coach for the Chicago Fire Juniors, and also brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the Red Eleven staff.  A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Muhr coached at Depaul University for two seasons and for various local club teams.  He was the director of the Barrington Area Soccer Association and coached for the Sockers prior to joining the Fire Juniors this season.

Muhr was the co-head coach of the Chicago Cobras W-League team for five seasons, earning W-League "Coach of the Year" honors and a W-League Championship during his tenure with the Cobras.  He also served one season as head coach of the Colorado Force of the W-League.

Along with his coaching experience, Muhr has played professionally for the Chicago Power of the NPSL (1992-96).  Prior to that, he was drafted in the first round of the MSL draft (third overall) by the St. Louis Storm, where he played from 1990-92.  From 1989-90, he was a member of the Chicago Power’s ASIA team.

"I feel that we are very fortunate to have attracted two coaches with the breadth of soccer experience as David and Greg," added Gradel. "I want their hiring to send a message that Red Eleven is committed to offering the best possible programming in the area for elite players looking for the highest caliber summer training and competition."

In its inaugural season, Chicago Red Eleven finished 10-2 overall before being eliminated by the Ottowa Fury in the W-League playoffs.  "We had a great time of growing and learning as an organization in 2009," reflected Gradel.  "I am very excited to implement some new ideas, and to have some new faces as we move forward and create a great family soccer experience right here in the western suburbs."  The Red Eleven plays home games at the Village of Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex.