CHICAGO (Sept. 24, 2024) - The Chicago Fire Academy registered a 6-2-0 record in their third week of regular season action in MLS NEXT play. The three youngest Academy teams went undefeated, with the U-18 and U-16 squads splitting the weekend with a victory and a loss.
MLS NEXT Recap
The U-13 Academy recorded a 2-0 clean sheet victory against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the King Louie’s Sports Complex in Louisville, Ky. Griffin Brill opened the scoring for the U-13’s off an assist from Matthew Preddie. Later in the match, Gavin Hersh fed Leandre Beckford to give the Fire the insurance goal for their second victory of the season.
Immediately after, the U-14 Academy also faced Javanon FC in Kentucky. Like the U-13's, the U-14 Academy recorded a 2-0 road victory against the Kentucky-based Academy. Recording the two goals for the U-13's was the duo of Owen Fried and Graham Dixon.
The U-15 Academy had a pair of road matches last weekend. Last Saturday, the Fire opened their weekend with a 3-1 victory over Minnesota United FC Academy. Highlighting the victory was a brace from Henry Garcia and a goal from Nathan Panduro. Caleb Aleman and Lukas Garasic recorded assists in the victory over Minnesota. The next day, the U-15's faced Shattuck-St. Mary’s on the road and recorded a 4-0 clean sheet victory. Finn McCraney recorded a brace of his own, with George Valenti and Miguel Campos providing the additional goals for the Fire.
At the U-16 level, the Chicago Fire Academy suffered a 3-0 defeat on Saturday afternoon to Minnesota United FC. They bounced back with a 4-1 win over Shattuck-St. Mary’s on Sunday. Goals from Akiva Lieberman, Leon Smars, Nolan Weiss, and Robert Turdean led the way offensively for the Fire in the win. Joao Piretti, Emiliano Chavez, and Tomas Cortes recorded assists in the victory.
Finally, the U-18 Academy split their weekend with a victory on Saturday over Minnesota United FC and a defeat on Sunday against Shattuck-St.Mary’s. On Saturday, the Fire picked up a 3-2 victory over Minnesota on the road. Daven Arias, Kruz Held, and Owen Sloan each recorded a goal in the victory. The next day, the Fire fell to Shattuck-St. Mary’s, 2-1, with Sloan picking up the lone goal for Chicago in the loss.
What’s next?
All Academy teams will be in action at home this weekend. Only the U-16 and U-18 Academy teams will play multiple games this weekend. The U-13, U-14, and U-15 Academy will face Midwest United FC, while the U-16 and U-18 take on FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew. All matches will take place at the Endeavor Health Performance Center.
Chicago Fire Academy Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 28
U-18 Chicago Fire Academy vs. Columbus Crew at 10 a.m. CT at the Endeavor Health Performance Center
U-16 Chicago Fire Academy vs. Columbus Crew at 12 p.m. CT at the Endeavor Health Performance Center
Sunday, Sept. 29
U-18 Chicago Fire Academy vs. FC Cincinnati at 10 a.m. CT at the Endeavor Health Performance Center
U-16 Chicago Fire Academy vs. FC Cincinnati at 12 p.m. CT at the Endeavor Health Performance Center
U-15 Chicago Fire Academy vs. Midwest United FC at 10 a.m. CT at the Endeavor Health Performance Center
U-14 Chicago Fire Academy vs. Midwest United FC at 12 p.m. CT at the Endeavor Health Performance Center
U-13 Chicago Fire Academy vs. Midwest United FC at 2 p.m. CT at the Endeavor Health Performance Center
