CHICAGO (August 30, 2023) - The Chicago Fire Academy returned to action in their second week of preseason action as they prepare for the upcoming MLS NEXT regular season. Last weekend's matches took place at the Vernon Hills Complex in Vernon Hills, Ill and the Fire Pitch in Chicago.
U-13 Academy
The youngest members of the Academy opened their second week of preseason against Illinois Elite at the Fire Pitch. The match resulted in a 3-2 loss for the Fire. Graham Dixon registered a brace, scoring the lone pair of goals for the U-13 squad. Owen Fried would record an assist on one of Dixon’s tallies.
U-14 Academy
The U-14 Academy would also resume preseason set of matches, hosting Illinois Elite at the Fire Pitch last Saturday afternoon. The Fire would record the victory, with a 6-1 rout over the Illinois side that saw Finn McCraney register a brace and an assist in the win. Ivan Garcia recorded a goal and an assist, with Ben Miller, Caleb Aleman, and Anthony Xavi Cervantes rounding up the scoring for Chicago. Miguel Campos and Heath Baffa would each record an assist in the win.
U-15 Academy
The U-15 Academy faced off against FC United at the Vernon Hills Complex in Vernon Hills, Ill for their second match of the 2023 preseason. The match resulted in a 2-2 draw. Kristopher Caravantes opened the scoring for the Fire followed by a goal from Marko Colakovic. Hugo Berg would register an assist in the draw.
U-17 Academy
The U-17 Academy continued the Academy’s second week of preseason with a match against FC United at the Vernon Hills Complex in Vernon Hills, Ill. The Fire would come away with a 5-4 victory over United, with Vitaly Hlyut recording a brace to highlight the victory. Aaron Ineh, Damyan Villanueva, and Johnny Nesci also contributed in the victory with goals of their own.
U-19 Academy
The oldest members of the Academy wrapped up the second week of preseason with a match against FC United at the Vernon Hills Complex in Vernon Hills, Ill. Chicago had an offensive performance to remember, with the Fire picking up a 7-1 win. Peter Soudan recorded a brace to lead the scoring for Chicago and Michael Ramirez registered a goal from a marvelous free kick. Kruz Held would pick up a goal and an assist as well. Oleh-Ivan Hrystiv, Kevin Contreras, and Charlie Heur would each register a goal in the win. Charlie Heur registered two assists in the match to contribute to the victory, Kevin Contreras, Giovanni Granda, Carlos Nevarez each registered assists in the win.
