CHICAGO (April 8, 2024) - The U-15 Chicago Fire Academy won the Premier Division of the 2024 Generation adidas Cup. By claiming the hardware in the prestigious tournament, the U-15 Fire Academy claimed the Club’s first gold medal in the Generation adidas Cup since it’s inception in 2007.
Following a 1-1-1 record in Group Stage play for the U-15 Chicago Fire Academy, the team advanced to the knockout stage of the Premier bracket, falling just one point shy of the main bracket. Regardless, Chicago searched for hardware, taking on MLS NEXT heavyweight Philadelphia Union in the Round of 16. After a 1-1 draw, the Fire advanced to the Quarterfinals after goalkeeper Alex Ivanov made all three stops in the penalty shootout to secure the victory for Chicago.
In the Quarterfinals, the Fire saw another tight contest against Austin FC. Again, the match resulted in a 0-0 draw, and the Fire needed to go to the penalty shootout once again. Chicago was perfect from the spot, making all five attempts and punching their ticket to the Premier Semifinal. The following day, the U-15's advanced one step closer to the mountaintop, defeating LAFC 2-1 in the Semifinal. With the victory, Chicago advanced to the championship match the following morning.
Facing off against the Sporting Kansas City Academy, the Fire came out to a hot start. Creating many chances, it was only a matter of time before Chicago found the back of the net. In the 36th minute of play, a sweeping feed into the box found the head of Darris Hyte who lunged into the box and gave Chicago a 1-0 lead.
The lone goal would be all Chicago needed, as they recorded the clean sheet victory to claim the Premier division title. With the victory, the highly touted U-15 Academy picks up hardware in one of MLS NEXT’s most important competitions of the season.
U-13 Academy
Halfway across the world, the U-13 Academy participated in the Mina Cup, a youth soccer tournament taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With an undefeated run in Group Stage play, the U-13's stormed past the competition and faced Newcastle United FC in the championship match. The match would go to the penalty shootout, where the U-13's were defeated in the final.
Despite the loss, the Fire swept the individual awards at the Mina Cup. Fire Academy players Graham Dixon (Top Scorer), Alex Bayraktarov (Goalkeeper of the Tournament), and Francisco Diaz (Player of the Tournament) were recognized for their performances in the competition.
