Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire Academy competed in MLS NEXT play over the weekend, securing a 4-3-1 record. The teams faced FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew on Saturday, followed by matches against Cincinnati United Premier on Sunday. All age groups played on Saturday, with the U-13s, U-14s, and U-15s also playing on Sunday.

In the U-13 category, Griffin Brill achieved a hat trick for the second week running and Gavin Hersh added another goal in a 4-1 victory against FC Cincinnati. On Sunday, Oleksandr Smetana scored in a 1-1 draw with Cincinnati United Premier.

The U-14 team won 3-2 against FC Cincinnati with Graham Dixon scoring all three goals. On Sunday, they defeated Cincinnati United Premier 7-4. Dixon scored twice more; Brill debuted at this level with two goals; Markas Steponavicius and Donovan Tomasello each scored once; an own goal completed the tally.

At the U-15 level, Chicago Fire Academy lost both matches: 4-0 to FC Cincinnati on Saturday and 1-0 to Cincinnati United Premier on Sunday.

The U-16 squad secured a 4-2 win over Columbus Crew thanks to goals from James Field, Darris Hyte (assisted by Jesus Garcia), Jesus Garcia himself, and Aaron Jimenez. However, the U-18 team was defeated 1-0 by Columbus Crew. Both games were held at Endeavor Health Performance Center in Chicago.

Upcoming matches include hosting Chicago FC United at Endeavor Health Performance Center on Saturday, Nov. 23. The schedule features games at different times for various age groups across both days of the weekend.