Academy Playoffs Update: Indiana Fire Academy set for decisive third match Monday

2017 USSDA PLAYOFFS — GROUP STAGE

The Indiana Fire Academy turned in another dominant performance while two Chicago Fire Academy sides suffered tough losses in the second round of group play Saturday at the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Playoffs in Westfield, Ind. See below for recaps and match reports from each fixture:

Indiana Fire Continue Their Shutout Streak
Match Report | Full Game Replay

Another stellar defensive performance earned the Indiana Fire Academy another win, this time 2-0 over Pateadores (Calif.) to put them on top of Group G. Thomas Warr scored in the 44th minute when a quick free kick was taken, and a ball was played through to Warr behind the Pateadores defense. Warr’s initial shot past the keeper hit the post, but he was right there to tap it in and give the Fire a 1-0 lead.

Warr provided the Fire an insurance goal in the 90th minute when a goal kick, combined with two forward headers by Fire players, led to a bouncing ball over the defense that Warr perfectly struck over the keeper’s head and into the net.

The result set up a winner-take-all third match for the club Monday against Orlando City SC, which also stands at two wins through two games in Group G. The match will stream live at 5:30 p.m. CT Monday, with the outcome deciding which side will move on to the knockout stage. 

Late Brace Denies U-17/18s of Win
Match Report | Full Game Replay

The Chicago Fire Academy got off to a hot start against Baltimore Amour, opening the scoring just three minutes into the match when a corner kick delivery fell to Alan Salmeron, who got just enough on it to get it over the line. However, the Fire conceded an equalizer just before half, when an Armour free kick service found Dominic-Maximilian Duncan. Duncan controlled the ball with his chest and then powered in past the keeper and into the net, sending the two sides into the break tied 1-1.

In the 55th minute, the Fire regained the lead on a goal from Jose Alfaro Jr., who after some excellent transition play took his defender 1v1 into the box before striking it into the far side of the net.

Chicago maintained its advantage into the 90th minute, when Armour’s Jake Dengler managed a dramatic equalizer. After a cross in from the wide right side, the ball fell to Dengler, who took a few touches before striking the ball toward net, deflecting his shot off a diving Fire defender and past the 'keeper. Only moments later, Dengler struck again in extra time, scoring off a rebound after an initial Armour shot was punched away by the Fire keeper.

The Fire now face a decisive third game against Group F-leading Colorado Rapids Monday at 5:30 p.m. CT.

Atlanta United Prove Too Much for Fire U-15/16s
Match Report

It was a tough day for the U-15/16 side that came up against third-seeded Atlanta United FC in their second match of the playoffs. Forwards Zyen Jones and James Brighton of Atlanta put their team up 2-0 by the 20th minute, capitalizing on their chances in front of the net, and midfielder Alessandro Castro added a third just before the stroke of halftime.

Atlanta midfielder Blake White added to his team's lead in the 56th minute, and although the Fire brought one back just a minute later courtesy of Carlos Cepeda, that was as close as Chicago would come. With one point through two matches, the Fire close group play Monday vs. Montreal Impact.  

Check out the schedule for the final group stage matches to take place on Monday, June 26.