CHICAGO (August 18, 2025) – Chicago Fire FC II and MLS NEXT Pro today announced Chicago Fire Academy goalkeeper David Molenda has been named MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 23 following his seven-save performance in a 2-0 shutout victory over Philadelphia Union II on Friday, July 15.
Molenda, 17, received his first league honor of 2025 after posting the first shutout of his MLS NEXT Pro career in Chicago Fire II’s 2-0 victory over second-place Philadelphia at SeatGeek Stadium. The Chicago Fire Academy standout made seven saves, including five in the first half and a pair of point-blank stops late in the second half. With his performance, Chicago recorded its fourth clean sheet and a league-best seventh home win of 2025.
The honor is Molenda's first personal award of his career, coming after only his second start in MLS NEXT Pro. In his debut on July 20, the Academy goalkeeper recorded 13 saves in a 3-2 Fire victory at Toronto FC II. This is the second such award of the season for Chicago, with fellow Academy goalkeeper Patrick Los having won it following his third shutout of the year in a 1-0 win at Chattanooga FC on July 5.
Chicago Fire FC II will embark on a two-game East Coast road trip, making its first stop in New Jersey for an Eastern Conference matchup against New York Red Bulls II. First kick on Sunday August 24 is set for 6:00 p.m. CT and can be streamed for free on MLSNEXTPro.com.
