Chicago Fire FC II and MLS NEXT Pro today announced that the team has been named MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 8 following a resounding 5-1 victory over Orlando City B on Friday, May 2 at Flames Field in Chicago.
After conceding an opening goal in the 29th minute, five different players tallied their first goal of the season in unanswered fashion to nab the victory for Chicago Fire II. Right back Peter Soudan tied the match in 37th minute, before Jason Shokalook tallied the eventual game-winner just five minutes later. Chicago then took over the match with goals from defenders Jean-Alpha Diouf and Justin Reynolds and forward Dean Boltz to complete the 5-1 victory in its first game at Flames Field.
This marks the first time Chicago Fire II has earned a weekly honor, team or individual, in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Regular Season. The 2024 side featured multiple individual awards, including the MLS NEXT Pro Most Valuable Player award for midfielder David Poreba and two MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month awards for Chicago Fire Academy goalkeeper Patrick Los. This also marks the first time Chicago Fire II has been named Team of the Matchweek since its inception in 2022.
