CHICAGO (Sept. 13, 2023) - The Chicago Fire Academy opened their 2023-24 MLS NEXT season, with all five Academy teams in action last weekend Last weekend’s contests took place at the Creve Couer Soccer Complex in Maryland Heights, Mo. and St. Louis Gallagher Field in Fenton, Mo.
U-13 Academy
The youngest members of the Academy opened their season on the road taking on St. Louis Scott Gallagher at the World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, Mo. on Saturday morning. The U-13's opening contest resulted in a 3-1 loss for the Fire, with Owen Fried picking up the lone goal for the Fire.
The U-13's will resume MLS NEXT play at home against SC Wave on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the SeatGeek Stadium turf pitches. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. CT.
U-14 Academy
The U-14 Academy took on St. Louis Scott Gallagher on their home turf in Fenton, Mo. on Sunday, Sept. 10. The U-14's came up short, losing their season opener 4-1 on the road. Ivan Garcia scored the only Chicago goal in the contest, picking up his first of the season.
The U-14's are set to play in their MLS NEXT home opener against SC Wave on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the SeatGeek Stadium turf pitches. First kick is slated for 4 p.m. CT.
U-15 Academy
The U-15 Academy kicked off their 2023-24 campaign against St. Louis City SC Academy on the road at the Creve Couer Park Soccer Complex in Maryland Heights, Mo. on Saturday afternoon. The Fire picked up their first win of the season, led by Robert Turdean and Darris Hyte, who each got on the scoresheet in the clean sheet victory.
The following morning, the Fire picked up where they left off against St. Louis Scott Gallagher. The match resulted in a 3-2 win for the Fire. Roko Pehar recorded a brace in the victory, while Darris Hyte would record his second goal of the weekend. Leon Smars and Robert Turdean each registered an assist in the match.
The U-15's look to make three victories in-a-row at home against Minnesota United Academy on Saturday, Sept. 23 at SeatGeek Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT.
U-17 Academy
The U-17 Academy opened their season on the road taking on St. Louis City SC Academy on Saturday morning at the Creve Couer Park Soccer Complex in Maryland Heights, MO. The Fire came out victorious, picking up a 2-1 victory in their MLS NEXT opener. Aaron Ineh recorded a brace, with Vitaliy Hlyut assisting in one of his tallies.
The following morning, the Fire would face St. Louis Scott Gallagher in Fenton, Mo. The Fire continued their strong style of play, picking up a 3-1 victory over the Missouri-based side. Nick Mitrega opened the scoring for the Fire, followed by a goal from Aaron Ineh. Hlyut would round out the scoring in the victory, with Owen Sloan assisting on the insurance goal
The U-17's will have a bye weekend, before resuming play on Saturday, Sept. 25 against the Minnesota United FC Academy at the SeatGeek Stadium turf pitches. The match is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT.
U-19 Academy
The oldest members of the Academy began their regular season campaign on the road against St. Louis Scott Gallagher. It would be yet another 3-1 victory for Chicago with Michael Ramirez opening the scoring for the Fire in the first half. Max Padua opened his 2023-24 account, finding the back of the net in the 70th minute off an assist from Ramirez. Charlier Heuer would seal the Fire’s victory scoring the third goal for the team.
The U-19's will resume MLS NEXT play at home against Lou Fusz Academy on Saturday, September 19 at SeatGeek Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. CT.
