The Chicago Fire U-16, U-18 and Indiana Fire U-18 Academy sides all kicked off Academy Playoff action earlier this week.
On Monday, the Chicago Fire U18s fell 3-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps while the Indiana Fire U18s downed Chivas USA 2-0 behind a brace from Jeff Rhodes
Tuesday saw all three Academy sides in action. The Fire U-16s opened up play in the tournament with a 2-1 win over Georgia United as Alex Underwood scored in the second minute and Oscar Gonzalez tallied just before halftime.
Needing a win Tuesday night, the Chicago Fire U-18s were eliminated from advancement after a 0-0 draw with PA Classics. The Indiana Fire U-18s stayed alive with a scoreless draw of their own with California-based De Anza Force.
Both U-18 sides break today before closing out the Academy Playoffs on Thursday. The Indiana Fire Academy sit tied with De Anza Force atop Group 7 with four points and will need a win Thursday vs. Baltimore Bays Chelsea to guarantee advancement.
The Chicago Fire U-18s will close out the Academy Playoffs Thursday with a morning match vs. the Houston Dynamo.
The Chicago Fire U-16s are back in action Wednesday night as they take on California-based Arsenal FC at 7:00pm CT.
Chicago Fire U-19s Take Regional Title
Earlier Wednesday morning, the Chicago Fire U-19s, coached by Paul Cadwell won the U.S. Youth Soccer Region II title with a 2-0 victory over Nebraska FC in Des Moines, Iowa.
The U-19s move on to play for the James P. McGuire Cup, the oldest trophy in American youth soccer, at the finals in Overland Park, Kansas from July 22-26
