Chicago City Wire

CHICAGO (Sept. 17, 2024) - The Chicago Fire Academy recorded another strong weekend of performances in MLS NEXT play this past weekend. With a combined record of 4-0-1, the Chicago Fire Academy continues to impress after their second weekend of regular season matches.

The youngest members of the Chicago Fire Academy picked up their first victory of the season on Sunday, Sept. 15. In their season opener against Chicago FC United, the Fire secured a 4-0 clean sheet victory on the road. Highlighting the victory for the U-13 Academy was a hat-trick from Griffin Brill, with Ryan Korwel scoring the fourth goal for Chicago.

Later that day, the U-14 Academy faced Chicago FC United at the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex. In their matchup, the Fire maintained defensive sharpness and recorded a 2-0 win over the Illinois-based academy. Edwin Diaz and Liam Schmitz tallied goals for the Fire in this clean sheet victory.

The U-15 Fire Academy rounded out the trio of matches against Chicago FC United with a 3-1 victory on the road. Lukas Garasic recorded the first goal before assisting Ivan Garcia’s subsequent goal. Deandre Beckford scored an insurance goal off an assist from Nathan Panduro to lead another successful outing for the Fire.

Meanwhile in Westfield, Ind., two eldest Academy teams faced Indy Eleven on the road. The U-16 Academy continued their strong start to the season with a 4-0 victory over Indiana's club. Joao Piretti had a notable performance with one goal and two assists in this win. Kasen Brady, Tomas Cortes, and Akiva Lieberman also scored goals while Aaron Jimenez and Aman Alakhramsing contributed assists.

Finally, the U-18 Academy concluded a busy weekend with a 1-1 draw against Indy Eleven; however, this match was abandoned in its 80th minute due to heat concerns.

All five Academy teams will be active again this upcoming weekend. The two youngest squads head to Kentucky for matches against Javanon FC while U-15, U-16, and U-18 teams travel to Blaine, Minn., for contests against Minnesota United FC Academy scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21.

Chicago Fire Communications

@ChicagoFire