Academy News

DC, Chicago academies claim championships

D.C. United U-16s

The Chicago Fire and D.C. United academies sides emerged victorious in this weekend’s inaugural Charleston Challenge Academy Cup. Held in conjunction with the pro exhibition tournament, the two-day youth tournament paid dividends for the two teams that made the trip to South Carolina.


Sunday featured two all-MLS finals. The Chicago Fire defeated D.C. United 2-1 to capture the U-18 honors, while D.C. United bested Chicago in the U-16 final by a 3-1 score line.

The Chicago Fire and D.C. United academies sides emerged victorious in this weekend’s inaugural Charleston Challenge Academy Cup. Held in conjunction with the pro exhibition tournament, the two-day youth tournament paid dividends for the two teams that made the trip to South Carolina.


Sunday featured two all-MLS finals. The Chicago Fire defeated D.C. United 2-1 to capture the U-18 honors, while D.C. United bested Chicago in the U-16 final by a 3-1 score line.

This came after DC and Chicago each swept their Development Academy opposition on Saturday. D.C. United’s U-16s needed a shootout to get past North Meck SC after a 1-1 draw, while Chicago handily defeated South Carolina United 5-1.


The Fire’s U-18s also needed penalty kicks to advance on Saturday after they drew with SC United 1-1, while D.C. United defeated North Meck 2-1 to advance to the final.


In Sunday’s consolation games, North Meck’s U-16s defeated SC United 2-0, while SC United returned the favor at the U-18 age group with a 2-1 win.