CHICAGO (June 21, 2024) - The U-15 Chicago Fire Academy will play in the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup championship match against the LA Galaxy on Sunday, June 23 at 12 p.m. CT at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tenn.
Through four matches, the U-15 Academy has marched through some of the most competitive academies in the United States. In their opening match against Intercontinental FC, the Fire picked up a 3-1 victory in the tournament’s Round of 32. Two days later, the Fire came out on top following another 3-1 win against the San Francisco Glens Academy in the Round of 16.
In the MLS NEXT Cup quarterfinals, the Fire hosted Orlando City SC. After 80 minutes of scoreless play, the match went to a penalty shootout to determine who advanced to the following round. Goalkeeper Alexander Ivanov would be the hero, following back-to-back saves in the final frames of the shootout. With two heroic saves from Ivanov, the Fire would defeat Orlando to advance to the semifinals.
On June 20, the Fire took on FC Cincinnati for a chance to play in the championship match. After conceding a goal in the second minute of play, the Fire would take control of the match soon thereafter. Following a brace from Darris Hyte, and another tally from Emiliano Chavez, the Fire defeated Cincinnati 3-1 to clinch a spot in the championship match.
The final will take place at GEODIS Park, the home venue for MLS side, Nashville SC. As the higher seed, Chicago Fire FC will be the home side for Sunday afternoon’s contest. First kick is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT and can be streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
