Academy Action: Revs Engulfed by Fire

Sunday was a day to forget for the Revolution Youth Academy as the U-16s and U-18s were each handed 3-0 losses by the Chicago Fire during New England’s second match of the Winter Showcase.

The 18s fell into a hole two minutes into their match when Andrew Conner’s goal put the Fire in front early. The Revolution defense held Chicago back and kept it a one-goal game until the final five minutes, when Kellen Gulley buried two goals in the 85th and 87th minutes to deliver the 18s their first loss (3-1-0) of the season.

The Fire went for the sweep against the Revolution 16s and nearly went ahead in the 7th minute before defender Ryan Kingsley cleared a Chicago shot off the line. But before the half, the Fire found paydirt when Grant Lillard converted a corner to give Chicago the lead in the 40th minute. In the second half, Jeffrey Farina and Anthony Smith put the Revolution further behind with strikes in the 53rd and 74th minutes, respectively, as the 16s dropped their second straight game (2-2-0).

The Revolution 16s and 18s return to the pitch on Tuesday when they face North Meck SC for the final matches of the Showcase.