Paul Cadwell Senior Vice President, Community Programs, Engagement & Facilities | Chicago Fire FC Website
Paul Cadwell Senior Vice President, Community Programs, Engagement & Facilities | Chicago Fire FC Website
CHICAGO (July 2, 2024) - Chicago Fire FC and Major League Soccer announced that Chicago Fire Academy midfielder Vitaliy Hlyut has been selected for the third-annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate. This event marks the second time a representative from the Chicago Fire Academy will participate in this premier showcase. Last year, forward Michael Nesci represented the team.
The competition follows an East vs. West format, featuring 44 top MLS NEXT players, divided into two teams of 22. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23 at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, with kickoff at 10:30 a.m. CT.
Hlyut, part of the U-17 Chicago Fire Academy roster, has also played for Chicago Fire FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. He made his professional debut on March 17 as a substitute in a match against FC Cincinnati 2 that ended in a 1-1 draw. On March 20, Hlyut scored in the opening round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against Chicago City SC, becoming one of the youngest players to score in this competition. In regular season play, he has made six appearances (two starts) with the MLS NEXT Pro side.
Among the selected players for this year's match are notable Homegrown talents such as FC Cincinnati’s Stefan Chirila, Philadelphia Union’s Cavan Sullivan, and St. Louis CITY SC’s Tyson Pearce. Over half of these players have progressed to sign Homegrown deals or appear in MLS NEXT Pro this season.
"Throughout the season, these 44 players from both MLS and MLS NEXT Elite Academies have consistently stood out as the best young prospects in our program," said MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles. "The players and clubs should be proud of their accomplishments this year and we look forward to a highly competitive match in Columbus on July 23."
MLS NEXT and Allstate will offer unique opportunities during MLS All-Star Week, including various events and activities leading up to the match. Players will participate fully in festivities such as team training sessions and the All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T on July 23 before concluding with the MLS All-Star Game on July 24.
The selection process for these players followed the conclusion of the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase. Eligible players were born between 2007-2009 and must have competed in both regular-season matches and at least one premier event like MLS NEXT Fest or Generation adidas Cup.
Chicago Fire Communications
@ChicagoFire
---
Alerts Sign-up