Issac or “Zack” was born in Syria near the city of Damascus. His family later moved to Lebanon, where civil war between Christians and Muslims forced Issac’s father, George, to relocate his family to the United States when Issac was 12. The Moushi family settled in Chicago and Issac went to Von Stuben High School, where he played varsity soccer all four years and set a school record by scoring 106 goals.

After graduation, he went to the University of Illinois at Chicago and played for two years before being lured to the pros. For the next five years, Issac played for the Pittsburgh Spirits (MISL), the Ft. Worth Kickers (USISL), the Nashville Diamonds (ASL), and the Chicago Shockers (NPSL).

Three ACL injuries ended his playing career and since 1986 he has thrived on the sidelines as a coach and trainer. Issac first became interested in soccer when his dad took him to his own training and games, but his best moment as a player was when he was 14 years old and playing against Germany’s SV Hamburg U14 team.

Coaching Background

Issac holds a USSF Professional B license and has coached at all levels of the game, including college. Over the years Issac has coached and trained with the Red, White and Blue FC (a club he started), Barrington Soccer Association, Sockers FC, Lake Forest Soccer Association, Chicago Wind and Trevian Soccer Club/ FC United.

In addition to coaching at the club level, he has been a state coach and evaluator for the Olympic Development Program and a coaching instructor for the IYSA. His most memorable moment as a coach was winning a National Championship while he was with Sockers FC.

Most recently Issac started the Northshore United Footbol Academy, an organization that provides lessons, clinics, and camps for players who want to improve their skills and reach their potential.

Coaching Philosophy

Issac’s players have gone on to play club, ODP, high school, college, and professional soccer. In fact, many of them are now coaches in the Chicago area and enjoy competing against their former coach when their teams meet.A key to Issac’s success has been his dedication to providing his players a competitive and fun environment, while teaching technique and tactics. “I love to help and develop kids and bring the best out of them technically, tactically, physically and mentally,” says Issac. One of his core philosophies is using functional training during practices and pre- game warm-ups. This means that everything the players do is either with a ball or is 100% game-related. Standing around is not an option and players come off the field having worked really hard and with a smile on their face.

Issac likes to challenge his players to think about their decisions on the field. “I want them to mentally rewind the tape of what just happened and learn from it,” says Issac. “I want players to do their own thinking on the field and not rely on their coach to give them the answer every time. As coaches, we have to provide an environment to young players that allows them to find their own solutions and gives them confidence to use their skills.” In addition, Issac uses two key phrases to motivate his players: “Believe to Achieve” and “Success Through Commitment”.

Personal Information

Issac and his wife, Angela, live in Wilmette with their three children, Nina, Ramina, and Georgie. Issac also likes to fish, play golf, tennis, board games and read.

Issac is also the inventor of the training tool Soccix. Soccix develops soccer skills such as: first touch, passing/receiving, shooting, goaltending, and conditioning.