CHICAGO KICS NOT SATISFIED WITH OPENING DRAW

Written By:   Joe Chatz
              Central Region Contributor

Energy. Effort. Commitment.

Those words were continually referenced by Chicago KICS SC leadership speaking a few days after its 0-0 draw at home against Bavarian United SC last Sunday in what was the KICS’ debut in WPSL play. The people inside Chicago KICS are confident after the first match but understand that there is much more to be desired on the pitch.

“It’s exciting to see how well we did in the first game,” Bela Labović, KICS’ co-captain, said. “For only having two weeks of practice with a lot of new girls, I think it just speaks volumes about the potential we have for the rest of the season.”

Labović went on to state the team hasn’t addressed any need for increased effort on the field. Each player regardless of their outside responsibilities like work or school, who steps into trainings or matchdays brings forth good energy and the expected work ethic and effort required to get the job done.

That effort and potential are paramount for this club to thrive in its first season. Chicago KICS has a roster with many collegiate and high school players, as well as some players who have already graduated from college. The standard of excellence in practice and matches, however, has been clear for all parties involved.

“Our team has set the precedent that we are a committed team,” Tamae Douglas, KICS’ co-captain, said. “We want to show up. That creates an atmosphere where energy is contagious, and energy is innate. We don’t have to think about it. It comes naturally.”

Douglas is the veteran on the squad, having graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 2020. Additionally, Douglas brings in WPSL experience after playing with the Chicago Red Stars Reserves throughout her collegiate career.

The KICS is based in downtown Chicago and has been a youth program in the community since 2010. The club managed to bring in over 500 fans to its debut match last weekend, helping generate the supportive atmosphere that players desire and cannot always get from their teammates in the heat of battle.

“Knowing that I have the support and energy from my coaches, from my teammates, and even the fans…they play a huge role in that success as well,” Douglas said. “Knowing that I have people in my corner at all times is just an amazing feeling.”

Despite establishing a new team with players who are still getting use to playing together, culturally the team has come together quicker than expected. Having seen the players' desire to be here and to compete and thrive together, the coaching staff put the responsibility on the players themselves to connect and become a unit. By encouraging the players to link with each member of the team, this group is making the connections off the field that translates into competition.

Douglas and Labović’s words rang true throughout the club, but that doesn’t mean that a 0-0 draw is remotely near the standard of excellence this club wants to establish. For co-head coach Thomas Shergen, “They’re not satisfied with the 0-0 tie.”

With the test of its debut under its belt, Chicago KICS SC will face another feat as it looks to secure its first league victory on the road as its next four matches are all away. The club's next home match is scheduled for June 19.