Chicago City Wire

Chicago Fire FC II has been named MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 20 after a record-setting 9-2 win over New York Red Bulls on July 27. Forward Jason Shokalook received the Player of the Matchweek honor for his performance, scoring four goals and providing an assist during the match.

Shokalook opened the scoring with his eighth goal of the season in the sixth minute and added two more goals within the first 20 minutes. He completed his four-goal tally in the 63rd minute. Midfielder Claudio Cassano contributed by assisting Shokalook, scoring two goals himself, and providing another assist to defender Jean-Alpha Diouf. The team’s nine goals marked both their highest single-match total and their largest margin of victory.

The game featured a combined total of 11 goals, setting a new MLS NEXT Pro record for most goals scored in a single match. The margin of victory was also notable as it was the largest since Columbus Crew 2 defeated FC Cincinnati 2 by a score of 9-0 on September 18, 2022.

This is Chicago Fire II’s third weekly honor during the current regular season. The last time they received this recognition was in Matchweek 16 after winning against Inter Miami CF II and securing a shootout win following a draw with Crown Legacy FC, extending their unbeaten streak to nine games at that point. For Shokalook, this is his first professional award after earning several collegiate honors at the University of Akron, including being named BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.

Chicago Fire FC II will next play against Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, August 3 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT with free admission for fans; the match will be streamed globally via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

"Shokalook and the Fire earned the distinctions after he opened the scoring with his eighth goal of the season in the sixth minute. The Pennsylvania native then scored two more goals within the opening 20 minutes of the match, before adding his fourth and final goal in the 63rd minute. Midfielder Claudio Cassano assisted him and added two goals and another assist to defender Jean-Alpha Diouf, helping Chicago Fire II post the largest goal total and margin of victory in a single match in team history."

###