The Chicago Fire Unified All-Star team is coming off of a memorable weekend in Texas, having participated in their first official match of 2016. After months of training at Toyota Park, the group flew to Dallas with the Fire first team as both prepared for matches against FC Dallas.
After a day of exploring the city, the team got their first match of 2016 underway on Saturday night at Toyota Stadium following the first team's 3-1 defeat.
When the first of two 25-minute halves came to a close, a goal from District 204 alumnus Mark Jerabek put the CFU All-Stars through to halftime with a score of 1-1. Fire head coach Veljko Paunovic was on hand to meet with the team at the break and help get them ready for the second half.
Jerabek would net again in the second half, but Dallas would ultimately come out on top in a 3-2 final.
“This was an incredible experience for these athletes and they worked so hard and came together a team," said Jessica Yavitz, the Chicago Fire's Vice President of Community Relations. "I was so proud to see them representing our club and wearing the Fire badge. They are truly the example of bringing people together and creating awareness for unified sports."
Unlike 2015, when the unified team played a single match -- an away trip to Portland -- Saturday's match was the first of two that the CFU All-Stars will play together in 2016. The team will next prepare for their first ever home game on August 14 when Orlando City SC and their Unified Team visit Toyota Park (TICKETS).
For more information on the Special Olympics Unified Sports program, click here.
