CHICAGO (Sept. 25, 2023) - The Chicago Fire Academy returned to action with four academy teams taking to the pitch at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Ill. in their third week of MLS NEXT play. The Fire posted a record of 4-0-0 going undefeated in a successful weekend of results at home in Bridgeview, Ill.
U-13 Academy
The youngest members of the Academy opened their weekend on Saturday afternoon against Indy Eleven. The U-13's would dominate against their Indiana opponents, winning in style with a final score of 7-2. Lionel Espinola, Graham Dixon and Owen Fried each recorded a brace in the victory, and Jensyn Goranson rounded out the scoring in the Fire’s seven goal victory. Fried and Dixon also recorded a pair of assists. While teammates Liam Schmitz and Oscar Trujillo recorded an assist each.
The U-13's will return to MLS NEXT play on Sunday, Oct. 1 as they head on the road to take on Michigan Wolves. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. ET at the Schoolcraft College Turf in Livonia, Mich.
U-14 Academy
The U-14 Academy began their weekend against Indy Eleven at the SeatGeek Stadium turf fields. The match resulted in a 4-2 victory for the Fire. Finn McCraney, Ivan Garcia, Caleb Aleman, and Michael Gomez each etched their names on the scoresheet. Gomez, Derrick Johnson and Collin Munguia each registered an assist in the match.
The U-14's will resume MLS NEXT play on Sunday, Oct. 1 on the road against Michigan Wolves at the Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Mich. Kick-off is at 10:15 a.m. ET.
U-15 Academy
The U-15 Academy welcomed Minnesota United FC to SeatGeek Stadium. The Fire prevailed against Minnesota winning 3-1. Field opened the scoring for the Fire converting a penalty kick. Darris Hyte grabbed the Fire’s second goal off an impressive feed from Press. While Robert Turdean would grab the final goal for the Fire assisted by Hyte.
The U-15's will return home for MLS NEXT play on Saturday, Oct. 7 as they welcome FC United to SeatGeek Stadium. The match is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT.
U-19 Academy
The oldest members of the Academy hosted Minnesota United at the SeatGeek turf pitches. The U-19's closed out the weekend for Chicago with a 2-0 clean sheet win. Charlie Heuer would convert from the penalty spot to lift the Fire into the lead early into the match. Minutes later, Michael Ramirez would grab the Fire’s second goal off an assist from Giovanni Granda. The Fire’s two goals in the first half and tight defense saw the U-19's gain yet another three points at home to remain undefeated.
The U-19's will host FC United for their next fixture in MLS NEXT action on Saturday, Oct 7 at the SeatGeek Stadium turf fields. The match will begin at 10 a.m. CT.
