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MLS Chicago Fire FC

Baltazar Duran, 15, of Cicero, Illinois Wins Sueño MLS 2015

June 7, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


MIAMI & NEW YORK (Sunday, June 7, 2015) - Baltazar Duran, a 15 year-old midfielder from Chicago, Ill., has been named the winner of Sueño MLS 2015 - Presented by Allstate Insurance Company, the nationally-televised search for the best young soccer player in the country. Duran, who was discovered by scouts at the Chicago Fire trials, has been invited to join one of the club's Academy teams.

The announcement was made earlier today, live on Univision Deportes' República Deportiva, which has chronicled the competition in a "reality show within a show" format.

"I am happy, this shows that hard work does pay off and this is a great feeling," said Baltazar Duran. "I want to dedicate this to my family and friends, everyone that has supported me along the way and told me not to give up. Now I have to continue to work hard, practice every day and give it everything I have."

The winner was among the 15 national finalists, who were in Southern California last week for the four-day national finals, which included top-level training, games against local MLS soccer academies, and mentoring by MLS Technical Director, Alfonso Mondelo, and top soccer legends, Pavel Pardo, former MLS and Mexican National Team midfielder, and Eric Wynalda, former MLS and United States National Team forward.

"Baltazar Duran demonstrated good technique, maturity and the ability to adapt to his game. He responded well to all the coaching staff indications, and his level of play grew with each training," said Sueño MLS mentor/coach and MLS Technical Director, Alfonso Mondelo. "Duran left us with the impression that he is a player with good techniques and with a great potential for growth."

Now in its ninth year, Sueño MLS 2015 - Presented by Allstate Insurance Company was staged by three Major League Soccer teams, including first-time host Orlando City SC, as well as returning hosts Chicago Fire and LA Galaxy. Up to 400 tryout spots were made available in each city.

MLS partners participating in Sueño MLS 2015 - Presented by Allstate Insurance Company include adidas, Johnson & Johnson, Makita and Wells Fargo.

ABOUT THE WINNER:

Baltazar Duran (Midfielder - 15 years old - Cicero, Ill.)

Duran a high school freshman at J. Sterling Morton Freshman Center in Cicero, Ill. brought his versatile play to the Sueño MLS National Finals. Duran, demonstrated good athleticism and speed on the field, as well as a rare ability to use both feet equally well to give him an increased versatility that was seen a difference maker for the scouts. Duran calls himself a "playmaker," much like his favorite player, Lionel Messi. His parents hail from Guanajuato, Mexico.

SUEÑO MLS ALL-TIME WINNERS:

Year Name Hometown Position Host Team

2015 Baltzar Duran Cicero, Ill. Midfielder Chicago Fire

2014 Johnny Chavarría Las Vegas, Nev. Defender LA Galaxy

2013 Alexander Soto Elizabeth, N.J. Forward D.C. United

2012 Armando Flores Anaheim, Calif. Forward Chivas USA

2011 Birnis Adames Camden, N.J. Forward Philadelphia Union

2010 Nelson Castro Houston, Texas Defender Houston Dynamo

2009 Alberto Lopez Aurora, Ill. Midfielder Chicago Fire

2008* Gabriel Funes Mori Arlington, Texas Forward FC Dallas

2008* Briant Reyes Downey, Calif. Midfielder Chivas USA

2007 Jorge [Flores] Villafaña Anaheim, Calif. Forward Chivas USA

*Co-winners in 2008

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