The Chicago Fire Academy enjoyed a successful seven-match sweep against a trio of their Ohio counterparts in matches held at SeatGeek Stadium on Saturday and Sunday.
The Under-13 team got things started on Saturday against Cincinnati United in the first of Saturday's four matches. Led by a Jayden Quezada brace and goals from Nicholas Mitrega, Makhi Francis, and Marius Aiyenero, the Academy started the day with a bang in a 5-0 victory. Anthony Masino additionally picked up a pair of assists in the outing. The Under-14 side then kept things rolling against Cincinnati United as a Max Padua brace helped power the squad to a 4-0 win.
In the first U.S. Soccer Development Academy match of the day, the Fire Under-15s took on FC Cincinnati. Carlos Nevarez finished off a Saul Lagunas pass in the 67th minute to make the difference in a 2-1 win. The Under-17s were the last to take the field, and capped Saturday's matches with a 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati. Missael Rodriguez and Luka Bezerra got the goals in what was the Fire's third clean sheet of the day.
On Sunday, the Fire shifted gears into a trio of matches against Columbus Crew SC youth sides. Aiden Frick and Michael Rodriguez scored in a 2-0 win for the U-14s, giving the side a pair of clean sheet victories on the weekend. The U-15s then kept the winning run alive in a tight 2-1 finish as Carlos Nevarez delivered the winner from the penalty spot with two minutes remaining. In an emphatic end to the day's contests, the U-17s were 6-0 winners. The victory was the fifth clean sheet of the weekend across all Fire academy teams, with 23 total goals scored and only two surrendered.
The Academy resume play on Saturday, Sept. 28, as the U-15 and U-17 sides travel to take on FC Cincinnati. Follow @ChiFireAcademy on Twitter for in-game scores and updates throughout the academy season.
