CHICAGO (March 22, 2024) – U.S. Soccer and Chicago Fire FC today announced that Chicago Fire FC II will face USL League One side Forward Madison in the second round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. CT on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at SeatGeek Stadium.
Admission and parking for the match between Chicago Fire FC II and Forward Madison will be free of cost for all fans, and tickets will be provided to attendees upon entrance at SeatGeek Stadium.
Chicago advanced to the Second Round of the historic tournament with a convincing 6-0 win against Chicago City SC on Wednesday, March 20, in the first round. Defender Giovanni Granda and midfielder Vitaliy Hlyut each made their professional debut and scored their first professional goal against Chicago City SC, with Hlyut becoming one of the youngest goal scorers in Open Cup history. The Fire also saw goals from midfielders David Poreba, Michael Nesci and Harold Osorio to seal advancement to the second round of the tournament.
Five current Chicago Fire Academy players featured for Chicago Fire II against City: Granda, Hlyut, Nesci, Dylan Borso and Patrick Los. Additionally, Homegrown player Javier Casas Jr. played the first 45 minutes and former Academy product Poreba played the full 90. Along with Casas Jr., first-team players Spencer Richey and Wyatt Omsberg also registered 45 minutes in the match.
Chicago Fire FC II began play in 2022 and serves as a bridge between the Chicago Fire Academy and the First Team. Led by Head Coach Ludovic Taillandier and assistant coach, former Fire forward Patrick Nyarko, Chicago Fire FC II provides a platform for the Fire’s rising talent to compete at the professional level.
The Chicago Fire has a rich history of success in the U.S. Open Cup. The Fire’s four U.S. Open Cup championships (1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006) remains tied for the most Open Cup titles by an MLS team. Additionally, the Fire holds the record for the most wins and semifinal appearances by an MLS team in the annual competition.
