The Academy hosted several teams in a preseason tournament at the Endeavor Health Performance Center as the U-16s prepare for a trip to Morocco
The Chicago Fire Academy is quickly ramping up its preparation ahead of the 2025-26 MLS NEXT Season, taking part in its first competitive action of the preseason. This week, the Academy hosted a preseason tournament at the Endeavor Health Performance Center in Chicago, while the U18 and U16 sides faced Columbus Crew and the U15 and U14 sides hosted FC United.
U18 & U16
The Chicago Fire U18s dropped their first match of the preseason in a 6-4 loss to the Columbus Crew Saturday at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Ind. Midfielder Damyan Villanueva headlined the weekend with a goal to remember, launching a shot from 40 yards out over the Columbus goalkeeper to score his first at the U-18 level. The same day, the Chicago Fire U16s fared better against Columbus, winning their preseason matchup 4-3 at Grand Park.
U15 & U14
Back in Chicago, the Chicago Fire U15s earned a 3-1 win over FC United. Harrison Storey opened the scoring, while Charlie Guevara and Markas Steponavicius tallied to win the preseason opener for Chicago.
Facing the same club as the U15s, the Chicago Fire U14s were also victorious, posting a convincing 6-2 victory. Deen Custic headlined the result, recording a brace to open his preseason tally. Adrian Sotelo, Matthew Preddie and Leandre Beckford also added goals to wrap up a good afternoon against FC United.
U13
The Chicago Fire Academy hosted a preseason tournament Saturday and Sunday at the Endeavor Health Performance Center in the city’s Near West Side. The U13s were part of a tournament that featured 380 players competing in 42 matches, including 16 local Chicago clubs, among others. Over 800 spectators joined in the festivities, among the largest in youth soccer for a preseason tournament.
What’s NEXT: The Chicago Fire Academy will be represented by its U16 team at the GreenEyes International Tournament in Khouribga, Morocco from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. The U18 and U15 sides will head to the Music City this weekend for a preseason tournament, with matches scheduled against Nashville SC, D.C. United and Atlanta United FC academy sides. The U13 and U14 remain at the Endeavor Health Performance Center to host Central Illinois United on Saturday, August 23.
