MADISON, Wis. - Forward Madison FC today announced the signing of defender Michael Chilaka for the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval.

The Israeli-American defender was purchased by Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Tel Aviv FC from second-division Liga Leumit side Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa FC in 2018. Chilaka made four appearances for Maccabi Tel Aviv's U-19 team in the 2018-19 UEFA Youth League.

Between 2019 and 2023, Chilaka was loaned out to a pair of Liga Leumit sides in Beitar Tel Aviv Bat Yam FC and Hapoel Umm al-Fahm FC. The 23-year-old defender amassed 90 appearances between the pair across Liga Leumit and Israel State Cup play.

In July 2023, Chilaka joined USL Championship side San Diego Loyal SC on a free transfer. The defender made 10 appearances for San Diego, helping the club to the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs in its final season.

Chilaka made a pair of appearances for the Israel U-17 youth national team, appearing in friendly victories against Ukraine and Belarus in 2017. Chilaka also appeared on the bench for the Skyblue and Whites in friendlies against Georgia and Lithuania's U-17 teams.

"Michael is a young center-back with great experience in the professional game already," said Madison 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."