CHICAGO (Sept. 17, 2024) - The Chicago Fire Academy recorded another strong weekend of performances in MLS NEXT play this past weekend. With a combined record of 4-0-1, the Chicago Fire Academy continues to impress after their second weekend of regular season matches.
MLS NEXT Recap
The youngest members of the Chicago Fire Academy picked up their first victory of the season on Sunday, Sept. 15. In their season opener against Chicago FC United, the Fire picked up a 4-0 clean sheet victory on the road. Highlighting the victory for the U-13 Academy was a hat-trick from Griffin Brill, with Ryan Korwel scoring the fourth goal for Chicago.
Later that day, the U-14 Academy faced Chicago FC United at the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex. In their matchup, the Fire stayed sharp defensively and recorded a 2-0 win over the Illinois-based academy. Edwin Diaz and Liam Schmitz tallied the two goals for the Fire in the clean sheet victory.
The U-15 Fire Academy rounded out the trio of matches against Chicago FC United with a 3-1 victory on the road. Lukas Garasic recorded the first goal of the contest before picking up an assist on Ivan Garcia’s goal quickly thereafter. Deandre Beckford scored the insurance goal off an assist from Nathan Panduro to lead the Fire to another victory on the weekend.
Meanwhile in Westfield, Ind., the two eldest Academy teams faced Indy Eleven on the road. The U-16 Academy continued their strong start to the season with a 4-0 victory over the Indiana-based club. Joao Piretti had a performance to remember with a goal and two assists in the win. Kasen Brady, Tomas Cortes, and Akiva Lieberman recorded tallies in the victory, with Aaron Jimenez and Aman Alakhramsing contributing with assists.
Finally, the U-18 Academy rounded out the busy weekend with a 1-1 draw against Indy Eleven. The match was abandoned in the 80th minute of play due to heat.
What’s next?
All five Academy teams will be in action this upcoming weekend. The two youngest squads of the Chicago Fire Academy head to Kentucky for a pair of matches against Javanon FC. The U-15, U-16, and U-18 Academy will head to Blaine, Minn. for matches against the Minnesota United FC Academy. All contests will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Chicago Fire Academy Schedule
Saturday, Sept. 21
U-13 Chicago Fire Academy at Javanon FC at 11 a.m. CT at the King Louie's Sports Complex
U-14 Chicago Fire Academy at Javanon FC at 9 a.m. CT at the King Louie's Sports Complex
U-15 Chicago Fire Academy at Minnesota United FC at 1 p.m. CT at the National Sports Center
U-16 Chicago Fire Academy at Minnesota United FC at 11 a.m. CT at the National Sports Center
U-18 Chicago Fire Academy at Minnesota United FC at 9 a.m. CT at the National Sports Center
