BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (Oct. 26, 2022) - For the second time in four weeks, the Chicago Fire Academy recorded a perfect record amongst all age groups. All four Academy teams traveled to Oakland County, Mich. and faced Vardar Academy, where they recorded a perfect 4-0-0 record in MLS NEXT regular season play this past weekend.
U-13 Academy
The youngest of the four age groups kicked off the weekend for the Fire Academy, with the U-13’s recording a 5-0 rout over Vardar Academy this past Saturday. George Valenti led the way with a hat-trick and an assist, and Noah George recorded a brace of his own to help the Fire record their fifth win of the season. The U-13’s now improve to 5-2-1 with 16 points in MLS NEXT play, where they sit in second place in the Mid-America Division.
They’ll resume play on the road this weekend, where they’ll face the top team in the division, SC Wave on Sunday, Oct. 30 at the MOSH Performance Center in Franklin, Wis. with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 p.m. CT.
U-14 Academy
As for the U-14’s, they remain as one of the hottest teams in MLS NEXT play. With a 3-0 victory over Vardar Academy this weekend, they extended their unbeaten streak to eight games, and recorded their seventh win of the season. Robert Turdean, James Field, and Hugo Berg recorded the tallies in victory, as they now improve to 7-0-1 in regular season play with 22 points. They sit at the top of the Mid-America Division comfortably, with a 12 point difference in points between them and second place team, Javanon FC.
The U-14’s look to make it nine unbeaten games in a row on Sunday, Oct. 30, as they face the SC Wave at 3:00 p.m. CT at the MOSH Performance Center in Franklin, Wis.
U-15 Academy
Another undefeated streak continues. The U-15’s picked up their fifth win in a row, and their fourth in MLS NEXT Flex play with a 4-1 victory over Vardar Academy. A pair of braces between Rafi Pineda and Michael Sarna helped carry the load offensively for the Fire Academy. With their victory, they remain undefeated all season long, and are tied for the division lead with 12 points. They are tied with Columbus Crew Academy, who are also undefeated in Flex play.
The U-15’s return to SeatGeek Stadium and look to continue their hot streak on Saturday, Oct. 29 against the St. Louis CITY SC Academy. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. CT at the turf fields.
U-17 Academy
Finally, rounding out the undefeated weekend were the oldest members of the Chicago Fire Academy. The U-17’s recorded a 5-4 victory over Vardar Academy, led by a hat-trick from Michael Ramirez and a pair of goals from Kamden Held and Dylan Borso. With the win, they notched their second win in MLS NEXT Flex play, and improve to 2-0-2 this season, good for fifth place in their division.
The U-17’s look to work their way up the standings at the SeatGeek Stadium turf fields this Saturday, Oct. 29, facing off against St. Louis CITY Academy in a Pro Player Pathway match scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT.
