Meet Our Coaches
My name is Dan Schmalandt and I am coaching the BU12 Manchester United and BU13 Liverpool teams this Fall.
This is my 4th season coaching, all with Lisle FC and I hold the a National E license certification for coaching youth soccer.
I grew up down the road in Glen Ellyn and played on a variety of clubs in that area as a youth. I played JV and varsity in in high school as well as 4 years on the club team in college. I continue to play in pick up games in the Chicagoland area.
I really love soccer for a few reasons:
- the amazing goals, the comeback tie that feels like a win
- the battle for not getting relegated
- the mad scientist coaching mentalities
- the terrible dives
- the superstar divas
- the awesome fan songs/chants
- the history of the European clubs
- and so much more
I’m really looking forward to an exciting season with the boys!
Dave Sojka | USSF D Licensed Coach ExpandMy name is Dave Sojka. I am coaching the B2005-06/u15 Everton and B2006/u14 Leicester teams this Fall.
This is my 7th season with Lisle FC and I have been coaching soccer for about 10 years. I have a National D license and am also a certified goalkeeper coach. I also referee for both travel and Classic League games.
I played soccer in high school as well as 2 years in college and continue to play for recreation. I live in Lisle with my wife and 3 children, a son and 2 daughters, who both have played with Lisle FC and are also on the Lisle High School girls varsity soccer team. I watch soccer every week, my favorite teams are Liverpool, Real Madrid and Juventus.
Jaye Romo | USSF C Licensed Coach Expand Jeff Sampson | USSF D Licensed Coach ExpandMy name is Jeff Sampson. I have been coaching with the Dragons for about 11 years now.
I hold a National D license and have participated in many continuing education courses.
I started playing soccer when I was 5 and the love for the game has integrated into most parts of my life. I played soccer up until this year rounding out an almost 30 year career. Injuries have limited my playing recently but the love of the game is no less.
The “light bulb moments” are what make coaching so rewarding. Taking the knowledge I have in my head and transferring it to the players makes it all worth it.
Mike Gaspari | USSF D Licensed Coach ExpandMy name is Mike Gaspari. This is my 4th year coaching at Lisle FC. Overall I have been coaching soccer for 10 years. Before coming to Lisle, I coached at Honor soccer club in Hawthorne Woods as well as being a staff coach at Advantage Soccer academy. I currently hold a National D license from US Soccer. I played soccer for 9 years and still play occasionally when I have time. I live in Naperville with my wife and 2 daughters who play soccer and have an overall love of the game.When I am not coaching or watching my own kids play I try to watch my favorite team Liverpool play.