Interview: Michael Chilaka (NY Cosmos #4)
Updated: 19 hours ago
September 8, 2026 Paterson, NJ
On July 23, 2026, the Cosmos announced the signing of Maccabi Jaffa center back Michael Chilaka. We sat down with the Tel Aviv, Israel native to discuss his career, his move to the Cosmos, the team's recent surge, and a wide range of other topics.
The 26-year-old Israeli-American is an experienced central defender who has plied his trade at various levels in both Israel and the United States. Michael is known for combining strong physicality, composure, and great positional awareness. The former Israeli Under-17 international is also a good passer of the ball, noted for his ability to move the ball efficiently and build out from the back.
Beginnings:
Michael who holds Israeli, Nigerian and United States citizenship comes from a multi-cultural background.
I asked Michael about his start in sports and how he got involved with football:
"I was born in Israel, lived in Nigeria and in the States a couple of times before. I got into soccer since I was a young kid, but at first, I did some martial arts. I started with judo a little bit and some boxing. I joined a team in my neighborhood at around the age of 10 or 11 years old, and I really started playing for a team."
Move to Maccabi Jaffa:
After progressing with his local club team, Gadna, Michael progressed and started to receive interest from higher level clubs. He recalled his move to Maccabi Jaffa.
"At the age of 15, I wanted to move from Gadna to a club called Tel Aviv that had an interest in me, but it failed; the deal failed. A lot of my friends back in the day played for that team, under 15, called Maccabi Jaffa, and they just recruited me there."
"When I got there, the coach really believed in me and loved me, so he took me as a project, you know, bringing me in before training, keeping me after training, always playing with the year above. Until I got my first professional debut when I was 17."
I asked Michael about the positions he played as he progressed with Jaffa, or if he was always a center back.
"My first position was a midfielder. I played as a number 8. But when I got to Maccabi Jaffa, they moved me to center back and right back most of the time. But yeah, my primary position was center back."
Michael also explained what he learned as he began his professional career with Jaffa.
"The life of a football player is not easy. It's not all rainbows and sunshine. You're going to have a lot of ups and downs, and you just have to stick to the plan, you know, it's meant for the strong."
Biggest Career Influence:
Who had the greatest impact on you in the sport? Was there a particular player or coach who helped you reach your current level?
"I think my coach at Maccabi Jaffa (Uri Karagula) always told me, you know, train hard, keep doing this, keep doing that, and he helped me because he's the first one who believed in me and took me as a project. He shaped my mindset about football. And of course, God, you know, every time, every day we wake up, I'm grateful that I got another chance to show my worth and do what I love for a living."
Move to Maccabi Tel Aviv:
After one season competing in Israel's Third Division with Maccabi Jaffa, Michael signed with one of the top teams in Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2018.
I asked Michael how the move came about and about the various loan spells that followed.
"When I was 17, I was playing for the (Maccabi Jaffa) under-18s on Saturdays, and the day before, I was playing with the first team on Fridays. So I had double matches every weekend. And I don't know, I was just playing well, you know, with God's help. I had a lot of interest at that age when I was young."
"That was the team I chose to sign for, you know, because of the history, like you said, and the plan they showed me, but unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to play for the first team, but that was a good experience."
After appearing for Tel Aviv's U-19s, Michael was sent on loan to Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam in 2019, the club where he would have his biggest impact.
"That was like a second team of Maccabi Tel Aviv that used to play in the Second Division in Israel, so they loaned most of our players there just to develop them more. And in the second year, we had a nice run. We finished third in the table, almost qualified for the First Division, and we made it to the semi-final of the Israeli Cup, where we lost after 120 minutes in a penalty shootout."
I reminded Michael that he scored in that cup match against Hapoel Tel Aviv, the club he was close to signing as a youngster.
"Yeah. That was the first professional goal of my career, and I also scored a pk at the end in the shootout."
American Connections:
I asked Michael about his connections to the United States, as he had previously mentioned to me that his father was Nigerian and lived in the United States, and if that played a factor in his decision to move to the United States to play for San Diego Loyal during the second half of the 2023 USL Championship season.
"Yeah, my dad is of Nigerian descent, but he's been living in the States for like 21 years now."
"That was one of the reasons. But the main reason was I wanted to feel something new, you know, a new experience. I felt like my time in Israel was over. If I'm not playing in the first division, I wanted to see the American market, obviously, because I got a passport. And that was nice, you know."
Move to San Diego Loyal:
I asked Michael about his first experience playing as a professional in the United States with San Diego Loyal SC in the USL Championship, and how the level compares to USL League One.
"When I got there, I was a little bit out of shape, but they made me run a lot. The experience was good, you know, in terms of facilities, the level of training, and the way they treat the players. And like you said, the difference between the Championship and USL. There is a difference, but it's not that big. I must say, just in terms of players, they get more quality players, you know, players who are hungrier and willing to work more on the pitch to prove themselves, maybe."
Move to Forward Madison:
After his brief stint with San Diego, during which he made 10 appearances, Michael continued his career in the country by signing with USL League One team Forward Madison for the 2024 season. I asked him how the move came about.
"So after the season was over, I had some options to go for tryouts with Championship sides, but I decided I didn't want to go for a tryout. And I got an offer from Forward Madison through my agent. I think that was a nice city. They have nice fans. It's kind of a new team, so I wanted to take the challenge. And I enjoyed my time there. You know, it built my confidence back again as a player. And I found the love for the game again there."
I followed up with Michael on why he said he found his love for the game and if, at some point, he had lost confidence in himself.
"I was overseas with my ex-girlfriend back in the day in Greece (in 2022), and I was in a motorcycle accident where I broke my jaw. Yeah, I had screws and bands. My mouth was closed for like 3 months on a liquid diet. And I didn't play for six months. Then I signed with a new team in Israel (Hapoel Umm al-Fahm) after six months, which wasn't the best team, but the money was nice, and they played in the Second Division. But still, you know, when you're outside the game for so long, you start to doubt yourself. Maybe getting thoughts about, is it for me? Should I keep going for it?"
"After San Diego, where I wasn't playing enough, I realized I could have played more. You know, when I played in Madison for a full season, a good season, we reached the Jagermeister Cup final and made it to the semi-final playoffs. That was a good season for me to get back on track and show me how much I love this game."
Michael would remain with Madison for two seasons, being an important element in the club's defense. He appeared in 54 matches, scoring 1 goal.
Return to Israel:
After the 2025 season, Michael left the United States to pursue an opportunity in the Israeli top flight.
"After I finished my second season, my Israeli agent told me that I had a chance to play first division back home, which was nice. I went, I trained with the team (Hapoel Haifa FC) there for like 3 weeks, but the deal didn't come through. And I think it was too late to go back and sign in an American league, like in the USL."
"I had an offer from my old club (Maccabi Jaffa), you know, so I thought it might be nice. They were last in the table and I thought I could help change it."
Michael signed with Jaffa for the remainder of the season before exploring opportunities in the United States.
Cosmos Interest:
During the 2026 season Michael, wanting to return to the United States, contacted his American agent to see if their were any opportunities.
"I called my American agent and I told him that I wanted to go back to playing in the States. I would like for him to look for an offer. And then the Cosmos came in, and as soon as I heard the big name and the history, there was no hesitation on my side. Even though the position of the team, you know, they told me about the process and the goals they had. So I believed in it and I went for it."
Cosmos Turnaround:
We talked about the difference between the state of Cosmos at the time he signed and their current status, as well as his thoughts on the main reason behind the team's turnaround.
"So I will give the credit to God always. You know, I'm a believer, so God is the main reason. But we also had a lot of exciting signings, you know. Frankie, Shome, a lot of new players that came in with a new hunger, you know, just to raise it a little bit."
"The players started to believe again, you know, we're doing well, we're working hard. We know that we cannot finish our first season at the Cosmos looking like this."
"I think the new players just brought some new energy, you know? When you lose almost every game, you get tired and mentally fatigued. Every game, it's basically like a loop; you concede first, and then the game is over. When we started turning the results around a little bit, you know, and started to play better and together, that also changed the team, of course."
I told Michael that before he joined the team, early in the games, there were several defensive lapses and mistakes, which, when you're consistently trailing, impact the game's progression. I asked him what he believes has been the primary focus on defense since he joined the squad, in terms of his communication with other players, and what contributions he thinks he has made to the team that have aided in improving the defense.
"I think I brought some sort of leadership, you know, communicating more to the players in front of me. If it's the strikers, the wingers, the midfielders, just to help us more. You know, and the whole team is doing a great job running and suffering together. We showed grit a lot of times. Even against Chattanooga, we were down twice, we got back. We were down again, we tied it up again. So that shows you that the team never stops believing because we know we are a good team and we're going to score at the end. The problem, like you said, was just we were conceding first and then the team's morale goes down and then we concede one more and it's like basically game over. But now we know that even if we're going to concede first, we're going to score because we've got quality players up top like Lamin, Spengler, Sebastian, Koffi. As a defensive line, we said that we're going to work harder to keep the clean sheet and give our offensive players the chance to score. Because, as long as you don't concede, you already got one point. That was the most important thing."
I asked Michael if, by comparing the current Cosmos team to other teams in the league and retaining their core players, Cosmos might be a team capable of contending for the playoffs and beyond in 2027.
"If we're going to have the same players, playoffs are not going to be a question. The question is how far we are going to take it, you know, in the league, in the Cup, but we for sure believe that if the team is going to start the next season together and we're going to have a clearer identity of the way we want to play football, then for sure, we're gonna make it."
I inquired about Michael's contract status for next season, and if he expects to return to Cosmos in 2027.
"There's an option for myself and for the team, but I'm trying to focus now and achieve the goals that we have in mind until the end of the season. And when the end of the season comes, if the offer is right, I would love to be back. Yeah, why not? I'm enjoying my time in New Jersey, especially with the Cosmos."
Competition for places:
Michael mainly plays as a center back, but it seems like, with Chavez, Anderson Holt, and himself, Davide Corti plans to rotate the three of them. How has he adjusted to playing as a full back at times, and if that's a position he's comfortable with?
"I'm comfortable whenever a coach puts me on the pitch as long as I'm playing, you know, that's what every player wants to do. But also, the rotation makes it push us harder, you know, you can see that even if I'm not playing, there are two other good center backs that can replace me anytime, and I need to come prepared for every game. Every training, I need to do my best. And, you know, the team comes first, so I'm happy that we won, but this is a profession where you compete for your spot."
Helping teammates:
Justin Milovanov started the season playing midfield, but with the team acquiring new players, his playing time decreased. Recently, he got a chance to play at left back. How do you think he's performing in this new role? Have you spoken to him about his responsibilities in this position?
"I think he's doing a good job, you know. Obviously, it's a new position for him, the way he now sees the game facing forward, and he's more on the sideline, but he's been doing great so far. I hope, and I know, we're going to keep doing great. Like I said, you know, anytime you can step out on the pitch, and wherever a coach is going to put you, you've got to be prepared to die for the team and give everything you can, even if it's not your position."
Cosmos Teammates:
Is there any player on the Cosmos that you were unfamiliar with that kind of impressed you?
"Christian Koffi, I didn't know him before I came here. He surprised me in training as soon as he stepped on the pitch and he was like cooking everyone in training and dribbling past everyone. Also, Darren (Sidoel), the midfielder, is a good player. You know how calm he is on the ball, and you always know where the ball is going to play next. These are the two players that I wasn't familiar with, and they impressed me."
Goals for the rest of the season:
Realistically speaking, the team would need an incredible streak to make the playoffs, but aiming for 11th place seems achievable, as there's about a four-point gap between Cosmos' current position and the 11th or 12th spot. What is the goal for the last eight matches?
"Right now we are looking at each game one at a time, you know, all the games that we have left. I think we have eight more games left. It's a final for us. But I wouldn't say we're aiming for 11th place or 10th place, you know, obviously the aim is to get the playoff spot. But even if we don't make it, we just want to finish the season in the best way possible we can, like to bring joy to the fans, to the families, and for ourselves, of course, you know, just to finish the season with a good taste, maybe to leave something exciting for next season. But I believe in us, and a lot of players believe in ourselves that maybe we can make something happen, a miracle, which would be amazing. But yeah, we always take it one game at a time."
You have demonstrated that you can compete with top teams, as we saw this past weekend with your 4-2 win at a challenging venue. Now you face Boise, a rising team with strong fan support. Does playing in a stadium full of fans like that motivate you more?
"Oh yeah, for sure. When you have more fans chanting against you, you know, that feels like a hostile atmosphere. You're going to bring it to 100%, maybe even 150% with the extra effort. But as a football player, you're always trying to make people happy, you know. I think that's the main reason. Like, there's no lack of motivation for us now. When we have a good team and we start to get nice results, we don't want to go backwards. That's even going to make us push harder, and even if we need to suffer together, we're going to suffer together to the end."
Initially, in the first nine road games, you lost all of them, dropping 27 points. However, in the last four road games, you've gained eight points. What do you think has changed? Has the mentality on the road shifted after the first road result?
"Yeah, I think the mentality and the team bonding have helped. At some point, you get tired of losing, so you have to make something work, you know."
Thoughts on Promotion/Relegation:
The USL plans to introduce promotion and relegation by 2028. Would this prospect excite you if you were to stay with Cosmos?
"Yeah, of course. I think that will be exciting because it's going to attract more players. And now, you know, you've got something to play for. You know that if you're going to lose throughout the entire season, you're going to lose your spot in this league. And you cannot look the way you're looking. It's not like you're playing for nothing, and that would make it more competitive."
U.S. Open Cup Qualification:
There's discussion that for next year's US Open Cup, the top 13 teams from USL League One will qualify for the tournament. Does this serve as additional motivation for the team in the final part of the season to aim for qualification?
"Of course, I didn't know that."
The Cosmos name:
Is Cosmos well-known in Israel? Do you believe that playing for Cosmos will increase your recognition in Israel as well?
"Yeah, it is. I think it's big all over the world. You know, they have had some great players playing for them. Nobody can ignore that name. It gives you recognition also in the States, but yeah, I think we should bring the Cosmos to the place it belongs."
Message to the fans:
Attendance has been a challenge for the team this year. Is there anything you'd like to say to the fans who are attending and to encourage others to join them?
"First and foremost, you know, I'm grateful and the team is grateful that we still have people who show us love every weekend. Even at some away matches, we see Cosmo shirts in the stands, which makes you happy, you know, that there are still people who believe in you and show appreciation. And yeah, keep showing up. You know, even if you're not coming or maybe it's tough on you, you should just come to one game, see how it is. Maybe bring some friends, bring family, but for the friends who keep coming to every game, we really appreciate it. You know, that helps a lot."
Israeli football vs USL football:
Could you discuss the quality of USL League One and compare it to the Second Division in Israel? Additionally, although you didn't play there, you're familiar with the Israeli First Division; how would you compare it?
"I think in Israel there is more tactical and technical stuff. You know, you've been learning about the game more to the specifics, you know, how to break down a certain team, how to defend against a certain team. Players have a lot of quality on the ball, but the intensity in America is way higher. You know, and I think... People should watch this sport more often, especially after America hosted the World Cup. I think there's not enough talk about soccer in America."
Getting to know Michael:
Is there anything that the fans might not know about you that you'd like to share with the Cosmos fans to help them get to know you better? Something interesting about yourself.
"I speak Hebrew and Arabic. I don't know, I'm basically a boring guy and I'm not doing much."
So you said you lived in Nigeria for a few years?
"Yeah, like for one year when I was young. I lived in Imo State. It's where my father came from. It's where all the villages are, you know, very old school."
Outside of the field, what do you enjoy about this area, and have you been doing any interesting activities or visiting any notable places?
"I haven't really explored Paterson yet. But I've been going to the city from time to time, you know. My cousin lives in Brooklyn too, so I've been there as well; that's the big city."
During the offseason, do you live in Israel or in the US?
"My family lives in Israel, but probably this off-season I'll go stay with my dad in Philly for a bit and maybe take a vacation to Jamaica or something, and we'll see. I'm planning to stay in the States for this off-season again."
Has your dad had a chance to come to a Cosmos match?
"He will come this month, actually."
What are your career goals moving forward, and how long do you envision continuing to play?
"Until my legs give up, hopefully for 15, 20 years more. Of course, the goal is to get to the highest level that I can. And I'll do my best to get there, but, you know, even if I don't get and achieve all my goals, I'm happy that I had a chance and the opportunity to play with a lot of amazing players, you know, make some nice memories and make some good friendships. And just to get to get paid from doing what I love and actually enjoy my work, you know."
You talked about the importance of your faith too. How did your faith develop?
"I'm Jewish. My father is Christian Catholic, but my mom is Jewish. I had my phases going back and forth, but yeah, when I was in my lowest moments, God was there for me. I think God is important for every person, you know. That's my personal opinion, but I think there's something higher than us, something greater than us, and we all have a purpose. Living here on the Earth. No matter what your job is, what you do for a living, where you're from, we all have a purpose here. As I say, be a good person, you know, if you can pray, pray, and... Just be a good person for yourself and for your surroundings."
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