It was a weekend they won't soon forget.
After four months of training and team-building, the Chicago Fire-Special Olympics Illinois Unified Soccer Team recently experienced a whirlwind trip, traveling to Portland to represent the Chicago Fire Soccer Club in an MLS Unified Sports Exchange Match against Special Olympics Oregon. The group traveled alongside their Chicago Fire First Team counterparts, accompanying the Men In Red on their team flight for the Aug. 7 road match against the Portland Timbers.
Under the direction of coaches representing the Fire as well as Special Olympics Illinois, the Unified Team squared off with their opposition Thursday at the adidas village in Portland. The next day, the team was in the stands to watch the Chicago Fire battle the Portland Timbers and again suited up in their official Chicago Fire kits, facing SO Oregon in a pre-match exhibition on the main field at Providence Park.
Check out a selection of photos above and be on the lookout for a complete video documenting from beginning to end the story of the inaugural Chicago Fire Special Olympics Illinois Unified Soccer Team, a preview of which can be seen below.
