Coach Ribbens

Dad to Porter Roman & Nico | Gaffer @LWEastSoccer | @rhodymsoc Alum

[Coach Ribbens @Mribbens]

Welcome Nico Matthew to the crew!
6/15/24 • 7lbs 1oz • Happy & Healthy

[Coach Ribbens @Mribbens]

#20

[DaveOCKOP @DaveOCKOP]

A beautiful tribute to Diogo Jota as Portugal announce their World Cup Squad.

[Rand Getlin @RandGetlin]

Before the World Cup kicks off here next month, watch U.S. Against the World and meet the @USMNT.

You don’t need to be into soccer. If you care about pressure, sacrifice and young guys giving everything to make the country proud, this is for you.

HBO Original. Now on HBO Max.

[Men in Blazers @MenInBlazers]

Macclesfield defender Sam Heathcote is a teacher and was back in school on Monday, just two days after beating Crystal Palace in the FA Cup's greatest upset 😲

He quite rightly received a hero's reception 👏

[Steel City FC @Steel_City_FC]

🏴‍☠️ OTHER COLORS | RIBBENS

When Matthew Ribbens isn’t lacing them top-corner for Steel City, he’s leading a Lincoln-Way East program that’s planted its flag at the football-heavy school.

The former Division I standout at the University of Rhode Island guided East to its most successful season ever in 2024, with most wins in school history, champions of the 32-team Windy City Ram Classic, and a Sectional Finalist finish.

This week, Coach Ribbens reached a major milestone — 100 career wins. As a sectional #3 seed, the team seeks to make more noise in the looming post-season.

He defines Steel City’s ethos — competitive, gritty, and full of passion.

And yes — he still only scores bangers.

[Steel City FC @Steel_City_FC]

🚨 MATCHDAY

Tonight, it begins. This National Amatuer Cup First Round match is single elimination – win, or we’re out.
And it won’t be easy.

Wisloka Chicago (UPSL), is the defending Illinois State Cup Champion (yep, that trophy that’s eluded any Joliet-based teams for 106 years) and arrive in top form.

They’re fresh off a 1-0 win over @ChicagoNationFC and a 4-0 dismantling of regional powerhouse @BavarianSC_Mens 4-0. They’re bringing momentum. And fans.

Steel City, meanwhile, is still coming together – just a few sessions in – as we prepare for the MWPL season that kicks off in late May.

Dillard’s Starting XI includes two home-town debuts for Baumgartner and Darlage - two players that could prominently feature in any XI across the country.

XI:
Nigel Dillard
Orozco (Rolling Meadows)
Darlage (New Lenox)
Morales (Monee)
Bosco (Tinley Park)
Nugent (Naperville)
Baumgartner (New Lenox)
Ribbens (Tinley Park)
Reyes (Aurora)
Lysik (New Lenox)
Marchionna (Naperville)
Adams (Schererville)

Subs:
Mack (Frankfort)
Razo (Joliet)
Molek (Homer Glen)
Mendez (Joliet)
Markowski (Woodale)
Gadomski (Monee)
Beckman (Crown Point)

Match Details:
🗓️ May 2nd
🏟️ Providence Catholic
🕗 8:00 PM Kickoff
🏆 Nat'l Amateur Cup – 1st Round
🆚 Wisloka Chicago
🎟️ $5 Adults | $2 Students ($4/$1 online)
➡️Tix https://t.co/ISr7B7QMqK
📺 No stream 🌭No concessions

Steel City's Cup History:
☠️’22: 3rd Round – Win in Missouri
☠️’23: 1st Round – PK Heartbreak
☠️’24: 1st Round – Tight 2-1 loss
All-Time: 2W–3L | 10 GF – 6 GA

Cup Scoring History:
J. Lysik 3G
N. Williams 2G
S. Garcia 1G, 2A
N. McGrath 3A
M. Marchionna 1G
B. Ortiz 1G
J. Iniguez 1G
A. Arismendiz 1G
C. Morales 1A

About the Cup:
Top amateur teams from 14 Midwestern states compete in “Region II”, with one team earning a spot in the national final four in July. The winner earns a spot to the 2026 US Open Cup – against the pros.

[Coach Ribbens @Mribbens]

20X🏆#LFC

[Steel City FC @Steel_City_FC]

🏴‍☠️Ribs is Back

Steel City OG Matthew Ribbens is back—bringing leadership, grit, and a veteran presence to fuel our push for promotion.

From two youth national championships, to being the all-time leader in goals and assists at Victor Andrew High School to starring at D1 University of Rhode Island, Ribbens has left his mark at every level.

Now in his 6th season as varsity head coach at Lincoln-Way East, he led the Griffins to their most ever wins (18), a Windy City Classic Title, a regional championship and was named IHSSCA Section Coach of the Year.

No one covers more ground during a match than Ribbens. He leads with hustle and heart - and still sets the tone. 30-yard bangers are a bonus.

He epitomizes what it means to be Steel Strong.

[Coach Ribbens @Mribbens]

Three generations enjoying the beautiful game!

@ChicagoFire
@MLS
#corememory
#VamosFire

[Coach Ribbens @Mribbens]

@LWEGriffins @JoelPallissard Congrats Coach! Well earned👍🏼

[Coach Ribbens @Mribbens]

#RhodyRams 🤌🏼

[USMNT Only @usmntonly]

24-year-old Charlotte FC forward Patrick Agyemang who just scored on his USMNT debut truly has one of the most incredible stories in American soccer.

▫️ Born in East Hartford, Connecticut to Ghanaian parents
▫️ Never played for an MLS academy
▫️ Played high school soccer and was named all-conference in 2017
▫️ Played club soccer for Hartford Hellions Soccer Club in addition to high school soccer
▫️ In 2018, played Division III college soccer at Eastern Connecticut University
▫️ In 2020, transferred to the University of Rhode Island
▫️ Drafted 12th by Charlotte FC in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft
▫️ Gets his first-ever USMNT call up in 2025, and scores on his debut

What a story 🇺🇸👏

[Steel City FC @Steel_City_FC]

LINCOLN WAY EAST
@LWEastAthletics

@LWEastSoccer, the school with the most Steel City Academy players, achieved a historic season. Steel City legend @Mribbens guides the side.

[USMNT Only @usmntonly]

Malik Tillman is the 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓-𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 USMNT player to score a brace in a Champions League match 🇺🇸

Future is bright for the 22 year old. 🔥📈

(via @PSV)

[Lincoln-Way East Boys Soccer @LWEastSoccer]

The Griffins end the season as the 22nd Ranked team in IL! What a season, Lads!

Individual awards, team records that were broken, and individual records that were broken will be announced soon!

Stay Tuned🗣️

#LWEFC @LWEastAthletics

[Coach Ribbens @Mribbens]

A lot to be proud of. Beyond grateful for this special group of young men! #LWEFC

[Lincoln-Way East Boys Soccer @LWEastSoccer]

Team - Thank you for trusting me, thank you for leaving your heart on the pitch, and thank you for becoming a FAMILY.

I knew this group was special and we had a very special year.

Seniors thank you for solidifying the culture of LWE Soccer. You will be missed dearly!

#LWEFC

[Lincoln-Way East Boys Soccer @LWEastSoccer]

🗣️THE MATCHUP WE’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR🗣️

The Griffins take on Lockport on Saturday 10:00AM at Joliet West High School. The winner punches their 🎟️ to the ELITE 8. Griffins we need you there‼️

#SHOWTIME
#LWEFC

[Lincoln-Way East Boys Soccer @LWEastSoccer]

Absolute Scenes 🎥

#SHOWTIME
#LWEFC

[Lincoln-Way East Boys Soccer @LWEastSoccer]

TICKET PUNCHED🎟️
WE MOVE🗣️

[LW East Athletics @LWEastAthletics]

Congrats to Head Boys Soccer Coach, Matthew Ribbens. IHSSCA Section Coach of the Year! Great season with a school record of wins!

[Lincoln-Way East Boys Soccer @LWEastSoccer]

🗣️Tomorrow Sectional Semifinal 🗣️
🦅LWE (16-4-3) 🆚 Andrew (16-6)⚡️
🗓️10/29
🏟️Joliet West
⏱️5:00PM

#SHOWTIME
#LWEFC