The Chicago Fire Academy is off to a thrilling start this season, having officially moved into the state-of-the-art Endeavor Health Performance Center. With the MLS NEXT season underway, the Academy’s U-13 team recently returned from an impressive international trip to England, where they participated in the prestigious Dude Perfect Cup hosted by Burnley FC. The weekend also saw the rest of the age groups in action, showcasing the depth of talent within the Academy.
Dude Perfect Cup Highlights
The U-13 squad was divided into two teams for the tournament, displaying a strong competitive spirit. Overall, the two Fire Academy teams combined for a record of 4 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw. A standout performer was goalkeeper Owen Hunt, who was honored as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his remarkable saves and leadership on the field.
Team A faced a challenging schedule, starting with tough losses against AC Milan (5-1) and the hosts, Burnley FC (6-1). Despite setbacks, they showed resilience, managing to secure a victory against Danish academy FC Midtjylland (3-2) and drawing with Columbus Crew (2-2) on the tournament’s final day.
Team B, on the other hand, fared better with an impressive 4-2 record. They kicked off their campaign with a solid 1-0 win over SL Benfica Academy before falling to Arsenal FC (2-0). However, they bounced back with victories against Rangers FC (2-0) and a thrilling match against Team A, winning 3-2. Their tournament concluded with a commendable performance against Liverpool FC, where they achieved a narrow 3-2 win.
MLS NEXT Season Kicks Off
Back home, the excitement continued as the U-15 Academy opened the MLS NEXT season at the new Performance Center. In a thrilling match against the Michigan Wolves, the Fire secured a 3-0 victory, with Finn McCraney scoring the inaugural goal at the new facility. Adrian Cerda and Henry Garcia contributed to the scoreline, showcasing the potential of this talented group.
The U-14 team faced the Michigan Wolves in a tightly contested match that ended in a 1-1 draw, with Graham Dixon netting the lone goal for the Fire. The U-16 Academy, last season’s U-15 MLS NEXT Champions, continued their winning ways with a dominant 4-0 victory over the Wolves, followed by another clean sheet against Hoosier Premier. Akiba Lieberman and Robert Turdean were notable scorers, solidifying their attacking prowess.
However, the U-18 Academy had a challenging start, facing defeats against both Michigan Wolves (2-1) and Hoosier Premier (1-0), despite Gio Granda’s valiant efforts.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, all five Academy teams are set to compete this weekend. The U-13, U-14, and U-15 squads will be traveling to face Chicago FC United, while the U-16 and U-18 teams will take on Indy Eleven.
Here’s the upcoming schedule:
Sunday, September 15
U-13 vs. Chicago FC United** at 11 a.m. CT (Vernon Hills Athletic Complex)
U-14 vs. Chicago FC United** at 1 p.m. CT (Vernon Hills Athletic Complex)
U-15 vs. Chicago FC United** at 3 p.m. CT (Vernon Hills Athletic Complex)
U-16 vs. Indy Eleven** at 3 p.m. CT (Grand Park Sports Campus)
U-18 vs. Indy Eleven** at 5:15 p.m. CT (Grand Park Sports Campus)
As the Chicago Fire Academy continues to develop young talent and foster a competitive spirit, fans are eagerly anticipating more exciting matches ahead. The dedication and hard work of these young athletes promise a bright future for the Fire.
