As River Light FC prepares for its first season in the USL League Two, here is a look at the coaching staff responsible for leading both teams.
“The River Light FC staff for the 2024 season is a well rounded and diverse group of individuals. Each member of the staff has their own unique experiences and expertise to meaningfully contribute to our pre-professional environment” said Charlie Latshaw, sporting director and head coach of River Light FC, “The one thing each member of the staff has in common is that they are all fantastic people and have shown to put the players’ best interests above all else
Charlie Latshaw III - Head Coach
Coaching experiences:
• Chicago City Soccer Club
• Liverpool International Academy
• Sockers FC Chicago
• Jr. Irish Soccer Club
• Chicago State University - Assistant
• Ancilla College - Assistant
• Holy Cross College of Notre Dame Assistant
Born and raised in Northern Illinois, Charlie graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College. As a head coach for Chicago City SC USL2 during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he accomplished a 21-6-3 record during that time, winning the 2023 USL League Two Heartland Division Championship. His team also accomplished the highest points per game in the country during the 2023 season, qualifying for the 2024 US Open Cup.
Joshua Clark - Assistant Coach
Coaching experiences:
• Chicago City Soccer Club
• Liverpool International Academy
• Chicago State University - Assistant
• University of Dayton - Assistant
• William Woods University - Graduate Assistant
Born in New Zealand, Joshua attended William Woods University, earning his undergraduate and master’s degrees. A successful assistant coach at the university level, Joshua also served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Chicago City Soccer Club USL2 and USLW during the 2022 and 2023 season. This upcoming season marks his third year working as Charlie’s assistant coach and fourth overall. He’s responsible for talent identification and recruitment for both teams.
Raul Diaz - Assistant Coach
Coaching experiences:
• SAA United SC
• Chicago City Soccer Club
• Chicago Fire FC
Born in Mexico, Raul earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Robert Morris University. Raul served as an assistant coach for Chicago City Soccer Club USL2 during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, joining Charlie for a third year on the coaching staff. Raul oversees international club relations for both teams
Mike Chwistek - Assistant coach
Coaching experiences:
• Rockford University - Head coach
• Dominican University - Assistant Coach
• Judson University - Graduate Assistant
• Rockford Raptors
• Crystal Lake Force
Mike earned master’s degrees from Dominican University and Judson University. He is currently the head coach for the men’s and women’s teams at Rockford University. He has also served as the head coach for the Chicago Dutch Lions FC USLW during the 2023 season, finishing in third place in the division. Mike has experience working with head coach Charlie Latshaw, as they both worked together at the youth level.
Mikaela Buchweitz - Assistant coach
Coaching experiences:
• Mark Noble Football Academy
• Lindenhurst Area Soccer Club
• Pittsburg Hotspurs
• South Windsor SC
Originally from United Kingdom, Mikaela is a graduate of the University of South Wales. This season marks her first year working with the staff.
Kyle Swanson: Goalkeeper Coach
Coaching experiences:
• Swansea City AFC
• Pontypridd United
• University of South Wales
• ELA Soccer Club
• North Shore United
Kyle has previous experiences of working with the women’s goalkeepers at UEFA Champions League Qualifiers Swansea City. He holds both Welsh and American Citizenship and resides in the Chicagoland area.
“In addition to the already proven successful combination of Josh, Raul and myself, we are happy to bring on board two current college head coaches as well as some eager newcomers to the pre-professional landscape” added Charlie Latshaw. We believe that the experience and knowledge that this staff brings will prove to be an asset for first year success for the club”
Season tickets for the 2024 season are now live! River Light FC welcomes the community to purchase season tickets to bring your support ahead of the upcoming season. You can do that today by visiting: https://www.riverlightfc.com/season-tickets.
ABOUT RIVER LIGHT FC:
Making our debut in 2024, River Light FC is the latest club to join USL League Two. Based in Aurora, Illinois and the greater Fox Valley area, the team supports and celebrates soccer in a community passionate for the sport and hungry for a club to call their own. With both men’s and women’s teams, River Light FC makes our debut ready to train and inspire the next generation of home-grown soccer stars.