May 17, 2012
WIN, TIE FOR FIRE ACADEMY
U-18s top Magic, U-16s draw

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 last weekend.

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.