On Saturday— as the Fire’s first team was busy preparing for a 3-1 drubbing in Columbus— Chicago’s U13 academy team secured the CONCACAF Champions League title in dramatic fashion while playing in Toluca, Mexico.
The Fire, who were the only U.S.-based team in the tournament, battled Salvadoran side CD Santa Ana for North American glory. And, well, the game did not disappoint those in attendance.
The two sides played to a scoreless draw throughout regulation and extra time, and the match required penalties to determine a victor. Chicago were unsuccessful in two of their first three spot kicks, but came roaring back to win in large part because of three penalty saves from the Fire’s young keeper.