The Chicago Fire Super-20 team captured the North American National Championship on Sunday, Aug. 3, in Virginia Beach, Va., defeating the Toronto Lynx 2-1 in the finals. Forward Matt Eliason tallied both goals in the final and earned Golden Boot honors for his six goals in five games. Fire defender Robert Younger and midfielder Mark Blades earned 2008 Super-20 co-MVP honors for their play through the season. The second year program is the first player development program to capture a national title. The Fire posted 15 goals while conceding only two goals during the finals week in five games played.
The Fire Super-20s advanced to the finals after defeating the D.C. United Super-20s 3-0 on Saturday, Aug. 2, in the semifinal game. Goals came courtesy of Chris Cutshaw (Mike Stevens, 5'), Matt Eliason (Chris Cutshaw, 68'), and Josh Thiermann (Matt Eliason, 70'). Goalkeeper Brock Tomlinson recorded the shutout -- his third of the finals week.
"It is a great accomplishment and a true testament of the hard work and fortitude displayed by the staff and players," said Roland Hahn, Director of Player Development for the Chicago Fire. "The Fire player development programs have been very successful this season and this North American Super-20 Championship is great way to cap off the summer. We are pleased that the players continue to grow and improve through the Fire Player Development programs."
"It is very exciting to see this group succeed. The players have put in the work and deserve to hoist that trophy," said Fire Super-20 head coach Larry Sunderland. "This was a team effort and credit is due across the board."
The Super-20s nearly captured the title in their inaugural season last year, advancing to the finals but falling to the Player Development Academy from New Jersey, 3-1. The Super-20 team has lost just once in regular season play through their first two season, going undefeated in their inaugural season last year and falling just once, to Toronto, on the road in the Fire's 2008 season opener.
The Chicago Fire Super-20s are coached by head coach Larry Sunderland and assistant coaches Paul Cadwell and Brian Roberts.
