CHICAGO FIRE ACADEMY

Fire claims 4-0 win over U-17 National team at Toyota Park

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By Curt Herron

The situation was just about perfect for members of the Chicago Fire Academy on Saturday.

First of all, getting the opportunity to compete on the big field at Toyota Park on a beautiful spring day.

Making the afternoon more special was the fact that the Fire got the chance to meet the U.S. National U-17 squad for a match.

And capping things off, the action took place only a few hours before the Fire's first team opened its home schedule against the San Jose Earthquakes.

Needless to say, there were plenty of Fire Academy players who were happy to make the most of the unique set of circumstances.

And that was clearly demonstrated during the match as the Fire captured a 4-0 triumph over the Nationals in Bridgeview.

After grabbing a 1-0 lead midway through the opening half, the Fire connected for three nice scores following the break.

While many of the Fire players have gotten the opportunity to compete with or against national teams, this was a bit different.

Rather than being on their own in those earlier settings, this time they were representing the Fire and playing at Toyota Park.

As an added benefit, they got the chance to play a lot of different players and from both the U-16 and U-18 Academy squads.

Victor Pineda, Luis Medina and Elliot Borge scored goals for the Fire while Tyler Engel had two assists and Borge added another.

Charlie Lyon watched over the net during the opening half while Sam Euler stepped in for him at the break to complete the shutout.

Click to hear Charlie Lyon interview

The Fire, who hadn't played any matches in Bridgeview this year, moved in front for good on an own goal by the National squad.

Just prior to to the midpoint of the opening half, the eventual-winning score was set up on a free kick by Patrick Doody.

He was aiming for Chris Prince, but instead the loose ball went toward Manny Guzman, who then tried to get it inside to Prince.

Instead, the ball deflected off a National team player and into the net to give the Fire the only goal that they would need.

Click to hear Patrick Doody interview

Both squads nearly scored in the next 10 minutes as Pineda fired a shot on goal and the Nationals had a header hit the crossbar.

During the opening half of play, Lyon was supported by defenders Mitch Albrecht, Peter Beasley, Scott Lakin and Billy McGuinness.

The group combined to limit opportunities by the National team and their few scoring chances were shut down by the Fire keeper.

Click to hear Peter Beasley interview

The Fire brought a different team on to the field during the second half but they continued to enjoy success against the U-17s.

Just over five minutes after the break, Engel found Pineda in front of the net and he connected to give the Fire a 2-0 lead.

Another nice combination unfolded a little over two minutes later when Borge passed off to Medina, who scored from close range.

Click to hear Elliot Borge interview

The Fire continued to apply the pressure during the next 10 minutes as Engel and Doody were both just wide on shot attempts.

Shortly after the midpoint of the half, the U-17s forced Euler out of the net on one try and sent a header to him on another.

Borge completed the scoring with just under 15 minutes remaining when he connected from in front, following a pass from Engel.

The Nationals had two other good chances during the final 10 minutes but one shot was lined to Euler and a final try went wide.

Both squads return to action against Real Colorado on Saturday and Colorado Rush AJ Auxerre a day later at Argo High School.