MLS Chicago Fire FC

Chicago Fire Player Development Update

Published on May 17, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


The Chicago Fire U-18 and U-16 Developmental Academy teams went 1-0-1 in U.S. Soccer Development Academy Great Lakes Division play. On Saturday the U-18s defeated local rivals Chicago Magic PSG 4-1 and the U-16s drew 0-0 with the Magic on the College of Dupage Stadium Field in Glen Ellyn, Ill.

The Fire U-18s kicked off Sunday, May 13 against the Magic and went ahead on Luis Barajas' goal in the 21st minute, and Charlie Oliver doubled the Fire's lead in the 24th minute. The Magic pulled one back in the 41st minute when Colin Marz scored, pulling the Magic within one. The Fire's lead kept growing in the second half when Joey Calistri tallied goals in the 57th and 90th minutes, giving the Fire a 4-1 victory. This was Calistri's second brace in a row and his fourth multiple-goal game this season.

In the second match of the day, the Fire U-16s drew 0-0 with the Magic. Kyle Anthony Dal Santo started in goal and recorded the shutout.

The U-18s (14-2-1) maintain their position at the top of the standings with an 9-0-1 record in the Great Lakes Division. They will face off against the second place Crew Soccer Academy on Sunday. The Crew currently sit six points behind the Fire in the division standings. The U-16s (11-3-3) also remained at the top of the Great Lakes division table with a 7-1-2 record.

The Chicago Fire Developmental Academy teams return to action when the U-18 and U-16 teams host Internationals Soccer Club on Saturday, May 19 and Crew Soccer Academy on Sunday, May 20 at the Toyota Park Practice Field.

CHICAGO FIRE ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC MERGER WITH PLAINFIELD SOCCER ASSOCIATION LEGENDS

The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Friday that the travel component of the Plainfield Soccer Association Legends will become an affiliate of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club and will be known as the Chicago Fire Juniors West. The new Chicago Fire Juniors West is one of nine clubs in the Chicago Fire Juniors family, the fourth in the Chicagoland area and the third in the state of Illinois. Since 2008, the Fire's youth development program has grown from 400 participants to more than 10,000 across seven states.

Tracing its roots back to 1982, the PSA Legends are dedicated to providing a family-oriented, community feel to the club along with an overall great soccer experience. Members are encouraged to attend both recreation and competitive games. In addition to organized trips to Chicago Fire games, the PSA Legends participate in community outreach events in conjunction with all four of the Plainfield high schools, including volunteering at the local food pantries.

In addition to their recreational program that has more than 3,000 participants, the PSA Legends currently have 37 travel teams, including 19 girls teams and 18 boys travel teams. With over 90 percent of the teams made up of Plainfield residents, the PSA Legends are truly the community's club.

Tryouts for the U-8 through U-18 age groups, boys and girls, will take place in May and June at Van Horn Woods in Plainfield, Ill. For more information, visit http://www.chicagofirejuniorswest.com.

The Chicago Fire Juniors program was formed to train area youth in a professionally run environment and has since expanded to include branches in Chicago, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kentucky. Through the Juniors program, players ages eight-years-old to 18-years-old receive professionally developed curriculum to help build skill and knowledge of the game. The Juniors program has seen direct results, including the signing of Mississippi Fire Juniors product Kellen Gulley to the first team .

CHICAGO FIRE PDL DEFEAT CROATIAN EAGLES 1-0 IN FIRST ROUND OF THE LAMAR HUNT U.S. OPEN CUP

The Chicago Fire PDL team used Issac Kannah's goal in the 5th minute to emerge victorious over the Croatian Eagles of the U.S. Adult Soccer Association.

After the Fire went ahead early, Eagles goalkeeper Bryce Boyd recorded eight saves including several stellar blocks on the Fire to keep his side in the game. The Fire were able to withstand a late barrage of chances from the Eagles to advance to the next round.

The Fire will host USL PRO side Dayton Dutch Lions in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, May 22 at 6:00 p.m. CT on the Toyota Park Practice Field for the opportunity to challenge the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium Tuesday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m. CT.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 17, 2012


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