The Chicago Fire Academy is inching closer to the 2025-26 MLS NEXT Season, due to begin in September. The U18 and U15 sides faced other MLS academy teams in a preseason tournament in Nashville, while the U14 and U13 sides hosted Central Illinois United at the Endeavor Health Performance Center. The U16s have landed in Morocco for the 2025 Green Eyes International Tournament.
U18 & U15
Both U18 and U15 sides traveled to Brentwood, Tenn. for a preseason tournament over the weekend. The older age group won 4-2 against D.C. United on Saturday, followed by a 2-1 loss against Atlanta United FC. Similarly, the U15 side split its two matches, defeating hosts Nashville SC 3-1 on Saturday, then narrowly dropping its Sunday match 2-1 against D.C. United. Graham Dixon tallied a brace in the win against Nashville, complemented by Markas Steponavicius’ third goal of the preseason. Robert Witkowski scored the lone goal on Sunday.
U16
The U16s utilized the weekend to prepare for their participation in the 2025 Green Eyes International Tournament in Khouribga, Morocco.
Chicago Fire FC will be the only MLS club represented in the tournament, playing alongside other U16 squads from European clubs such as AFC Ajax (Netherlands) and S.L. Benfica (Portugal). In the group stage, the Fire will face youth sides from Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca on Thursday, Aug. 28 and FUS Rabat on Friday, Aug. 29.
U14 & U13
Both Chicago Fire Academy sides hosted Central Illinois United at the Endeavor Health Performance Center on Saturday, Aug. 23, playing against opponents an age group older. The U13s played the CIU U14s to an exhilarating 10-6 victory, highlighted by Joey Berardi’s four goals and Gvidas Masiulionis’ brace. Haroon Mmadi, Ethan Brugman, Alex Smetana and Skylar Bradshaw also tallied.
In a closer match, the older Fire group defeated CIU’s U-15 side 4-1, with goals scored by Leandre Beckford, Griffin Brill and Peter Panagakis. Robert Vlad wrapped up the afternoon with a free kick goal that clinched the match for good for his U14 side.
What’s NEXT: The Chicago Fire Academy U16 side begins group stage play at the Green Eyes International Tournament in Khouribga, Morocco from Aug. 28 through Sept. 1. At the Endeavor Health Performance Center, the U13s will host Chicago City before the U14, U15 and U18 sides all face the Michigan Wolves to wrap up the preseason.
