CHICAGO (May 7, 2024) - Chicago Fire Academy had a successful weekend, claiming five victories and a division title after a weekend of action. Highlighting last weekend’s action was the U-17 Academy claiming the MLS NEXT Central North Division title and clinching a playoff berth in the MLS NEXT Playoffs.
U-13 Academy
The U-13's won their lone contest of the weekend after defeating FC Cincinnati, 3-1, at the SeatGeek Stadium turf pitches on Saturday, May 4. Leading the way for the youngest members of the Fire Academy was Graham Dixon, who recorded a brace in the victory over Cincinnati. Michael Ciezki would pick up Chicago’s third goal of the contest to ensure the victory for the U-13's.
U-14 Academy
Also facing the FC Cincinnati Academy, the U-14 Academy would record Chicago’s second win on the weekend by defeating their Ohio-based opponents, 1-0. Scoring the lone goal for the Fire was Xavi Cervantes, with the rest of the Academy coming together to preserve the clean sheet. The U-14's continue their winning ways as they continue an impressive season.
U-15 Academy
The U-15 Academy had a pair of matches this weekend. Beginning on Saturday, May 4, the Fire would start the weekend off against FC Cincinnati. Chicago would remain perfect and claim another 3-1 victory on home turf. Highlighting the win was a standout performance from Robert Turdean, who registered two goals and an assist on Aman Alakhramsing’s goal. Chicago coasted to the victory and claimed the points at home.
The following day, the Fire hosted another Ohio-based academy in the Columbus Crew. Two of MLS NEXT’s most exciting academies would go toe-to-toe, but it was Chicago that came out on top. The Fire would defeat Columbus, 2-1, following another remarkable two-goal performance from Turdean. Coming through with the assists were Tomas Cotres and Michael Gomez to help guide the U-15's to a six-point weekend.
U-17 Academy
Chicago Fire Academy would have a match with playoff implications on Sunday, May 5. With a point, the Fire would claim a division title and a postseason berth in the MLS NEXT Playoffs. In their way were the Columbus Crew, who came to Chicago hoping to play spoiler. Chicago would get the job done with a 1-1 draw that saw Gio Granda score the lone tally the Fire needed to secure their spot in the postseason.
With the draw, the Fire won the MLS NEXT Central North Division and head to the postseason with a wealth of confidence. The Fire are headed into the Playoffs eager to win silverware with the regular season rapidly coming to a close.
U-19 Academy
Last Saturday, the oldest members of the Academy faced Indy Eleven in league play and fell short, losing to the Indiana-based academy, 2-1, at home. Scoring the lone goal for Chicago was Bryce Richards off a feed from Rafi Pineda. With the defeat, the Fire Academy accounted for a 5-1-1 record at home this weekend.
