Mingos shore up backline with Michael Chilaka

The Israeli defender spent 2023 with San Diego Loyal

Forward Madison FC has signed Michael Chilaka for the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval.

Chilaka, an Israeli-American defender, was a mid-season pickup for San Diego Loyal SC in the 2023 USL Championship season, where he appeared in 10 matches, logged two starts, and played 303 minutes.

“Michael is a young center-back with great experience in the professional game already,” said Head Coach Matt Glaeser. “He is versatile, strong in and out of possession, and we feel that he is an important addition to our backline. We are excited to add another dynamic profile to our 2024 roster.”

The 23-year-old played with Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. of the Israeli Premier League, the top-flight league of the Israel Football Association, and the oldest and most decorated football club in Israel. Maccabi Tel Aviv purchased Chilaka as an 18-year-old in 2018 from lower division side Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa F.C. Along with competing in the UEFA Youth League, Chilaka played in Israel’s second-tier Liga Leumit, the Israel State Cup, and was part of the Israel U-17 squad in 2017.

With the league’s best backline returning in the form of Mitch Osmond, Jacob Crull and Timmy Mehl, I’d expect Chilaka to provide depth and versatility. We saw the dropoff in backline production when Mehl went down last season. Additionally, Chilaka will push Crull and Mehl especially in training and make sure they’re earning their place in the starting XI.

There’s not a lot of information online about Chilaka. He doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page (who knows how to make a Wikipedia page?) but Fotmob tells us he’s very good on the ball — 84% passing accuracy, 61% long ball accuracy, 75% tackles won and 80% aerial duels won in 2023.

We’re just two months away from the season, so expect more player announcements this week! Subscribe to the newsletter to get those announcements right in your inbox!