CHICAGO (Sept. 12, 2024) - The Chicago Fire Academy has officially moved into the Endeavor Health Performance Center and begun their MLS NEXT season. The U-13's are returning from England, where they took part in the Dude Perfect Cup, hosted by Burnley FC. Additionally, every other age group was in action last weekend, hosting regular season matches at the Performance Center.
Dude Perfect Cup Recap
The youngest members of the Chicago Fire Academy were split into two rosters for the international youth tournament. The two Fire squads recorded a combined record of 4-6-1 in the tournament. Highlighting the U-13's was goalkeeper Owen Hunt, who was awarded Goalkeeper of the Tournament honors following his performance overseas.
Chicago Fire Academy A recorded a 1-4-1 record in the tournament. In their opening contests, the Fire fell to AC Milan, 5-1, and hosts Burnley FC, 6-1. The following day, they recorded a loss to Newcastle United FC, before concluding play on Sept. 7 against Chicago Fire Academy B. CFFA B fell again to CFFA A with a final score of 3-2. In their final matchday of the European trip, CFFA A recorded their first victory against Danish academy, FC Midtjylland, with a score of 3-2. In their final match, the Fire drew against the Columbus Crew, 2-2, with the Ohio-based Academy taking the advantage in penalties.
The second group of U-13 Fire Academy members finished with a 4-2-0 record. On Sept. 6, they began their tournament with 1-0 clean sheet victory over the SL Benfica Academy. Later that day, the Fire dropped their second match of the day, falling to Arsenal FC, 2-0. The following day, Fire B recorded two victories, with a 2-0 victory over Rangers FC and the aforementioned 3-2 win over Fire A. On Sunday, Sept. 8, Fire A split their two matches of the tournament with a 3-2 win over Liverpool FC and a 5-1 defeat against Burnley FC.
MLS NEXT Recap
The U-15 Academy opened the MLS NEXT season for the Chicago Fire with a match against the Michigan Wolves. The match marked the first official match played at the Endeavor Health Performance Center. In the match, the Fire came out on top, defeating the Wolves, 3-0. Finn McCraney scored the first goal by a Fire player at the new training grounds, with Adrian Cerda and Henry Garcia rounding out the goals for the Academy.
The U-14 Academy hosted the Michigan Wolves on Sunday, Sept. 7. In their contest, the Fire drew Michigan 1-1, with Graham Dixon recording the lone goal for Chicago.
The defending U-15 MLS NEXT Champions returned to the pitch as the U-16 Academy opened their season against the Michigan Wolves on Saturday, Sept. 7. In their season opener, the Fire defeated the Wolves, 4-0, following goals from Akiba Lieberman, Robert Turdean, and an own goal from Wolves. The following day, they picked up where they left off and recorded another 4-0 clean sheet win over Hoosier Premier. Joao Piretti notched a brace with Turdean scoring in back-to-back matches and Darris Hyte rounding out the scoring for Chicago.
Finally, the oldest members of the Fire Academy dropped their opening matches of the MLS NEXT season. In their opener, they lost to the Michigan Wolves, 2-1, with Gio Granda scoring the lone goal for the Fire. The following day, the U-18 Academy fell to Hoosier Premier, 1-0.
What’s next?
The season continues for the Chicago Fire Academy this weekend with all five teams in action. All five teams will be on the road, with the U-13, U-14, and U-15 Fire Academy facing Chicago FC United on Sunday, Sept. 15. The U-16 and U-18 Academy will take on Indy Eleven on the road on Sunday afternoon.
Chicago Fire Academy Schedule
Sunday, September 15
U-13 Chicago Fire Academy at Chicago FC United at 11 a.m. CT at the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex
U-14 Chicago Fire Academy at Chicago FC United at 1 p.m. CT at the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex
U-15 Chicago Fire Academy at Chicago FC United at 3 p.m. CT at the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex
U-16 Chicago Fire Academy at Indy Eleven at 3 p.m. CT at the Grand Park Sports Campus
U-18 Chicago Fire Academy at Indy Eleven at 5:15 p.m. CT at the Grand Park Sports Campus
