BRIDGEVIEW (Sept. 21, 2022) - The 2022 MLS NEXT season is underway, with all four age groups of the Chicago Fire Academy beginning play on Sept. 10, 2022. Amongst all age groups, the Fire Academy has posted a record of 5-2-1, including undefeated starts from the U-15 and U-14 Academy teams.
U-17 Academy
The Chicago Fire U-17 Academy started their season on the road, dropping their season opener against St. Louis CITY Academy 3-0 on Sept. 10. A day later, the U-17’s played against St. Louis Scott Galagher SC, where the match resulted in a 2-2 draw that saw Michael Ramirez tally his first goal of the season, as well as a Dylan Borso penalty kick that helped give the Fire Academy a point in the standings. The U-17’s move forward, hosting the Minnesota United FC Academy on Sunday, Sept. 25 for their home opener at the SeatGeek Stadium turf fields.
U-15 Academy
The U-15 Academy got off to a hot start, defeating St. Louis CITY Academy 2-1 on the road on Sept. 10. Led by a pair of goals from Rafi Pineda and Jarell Bonilla, the Fire notched their first victory of the season. The momentum carried into the next day with the U-15’s recording a 9-1 rout against St. Louis Scott Galagher SC. The offensive output was carried by Aaron Ineh, Parker Amoo-Mensah, Liam Healey, and Vitaliy Hylut, who all recorded goals in the victory. The U-15’s look to make it three wins in a row this weekend against the Minnesota United FC Academy.
U-14 Academy
Additionally, the U-14’s have also started the season undefeated, recording their first victory of the season on Sept. 11 where they defeated St. Louis Scott Galagher SC 2-1 with goals from Darris Hyte and Hugo Berg. The U-14’s also hosted the SC Wave in their home opener, and notched another three points with a 2-0 victory. Kris Cervantes recorded his first goal of the season, Darris Hyte recorded his second off of a penalty kick. They will resume regular season play on Saturday, Sept. 24 against the Indiana Fire Academy in Bridgeview.
U-13 Academy
Finally, the U-13’s rounded out Academy play, going 1-1-0 to begin their season. They suffered a 3-0 loss against St. Louis Scott Galagher SC, before returning home and recording their first win of the season by defeating SC Wave 2-1 on Saturday, Sept. 17. Lionel Espinola and Xavi Cervantes led the way on the scoresheet for the U-13’s with Preston Brown recording the primary assists on both goals. They will also host the Indiana Fire Academy this Saturday, with the hopes of recording back-to-back victories for the first time this season.
