Team Chicago Academy-Bahia has gotten off to a great start in the IYSA State Cup U12G Division. The Bahia opened up with a 5-1 win versus a very determined Jogo Bonito team. The first half ended in a 1-1 tie.

The IYSA U12 State Cup is played as a 9v9 competition while Bahia has played 11v11 all year. This combined with very difficult field conditions meant that Bahia needed to make some adjustments in the first half. However, the second half proved to be much better and was a great team effort.

With the exception of one mishap in the first half the defense did a fantastic job shutting down Jogo Bonito. The midfield did a much better job keeping possession of the ball which created many scoring opportunities. Sarah Davies had two goals followed by Sophia Majher, Zaira Solis and Katie Murphy each netting a goal.

Next up for Bahia in State Cup play is a game on Saturday in Rockford versus Chicago Lakefront and then on Sunday versus TCSA Premier Black.

Thinking about joining Costco? Now is the perfect time for you and Team Chicago.
This flyer ( http://www.teampages.com/clubs/1122/documents/65418 ) is your one-day pass and good for your $10 or $20 Costco Cash Card if you apply for a new membership. Team Chicago will receive a $10 Costco Card for every new membership presenting this flyer.

The offer is good for the month of May at the Naperville, St. Charles and Bloomingdale stores

Team Chicago Academy-Palmeiras has gotten through the early stages of the newly developed State Premiership Division with great success. Palmeiras currently sits atop the standings of the U18 Premiership Division through the first couple of games with an undefeated start.

Palmeiras started off the inaugural premiership campaign with a draw against a very talented Southwest SC team, 3-3. David Sanchez had a fantastic hat-trick in a very wind-aided first game with assists from Matt Coley, Chris Freeman and Matt Bayna. In the second game of the league, Palmeiras was able to top Linces Tamayo 2-1 off another goal from David Sanchez and a fantastic strike from 35 yards out from Keath Levitt. The new league has been a tremendous opportunity for Palmeiras to get exposure top quality talent from throughout Illinois as they prepare for their State Cup run next week.

The Illinois Youth Soccer State Premiership Division (SPD) is a state-run competitive division for premier teams registered with Illinois Youth Soccer member competitive leagues (IYSA Member League). This elite competition was designed to reduce costs and travel expenses for elite teams and allow the best teams in Illinois an opportunity to compete against the other top teams in the state while meeting the requirements for State Cup and Midwest Regional League (MRL).

PFC Ryan Pertile, brother of Team Chicago Academy-Brasilia player Mary Pertile, will be honored during tonight’s Chicago Blackhawks playoff game v. Minnesota Wild. Ryan recently returned from a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan. Brasilia and the entire Team Chicago Family are proud of his service to our country and say “Welcome Home”

Team Chicago Academy-Cruzeiro defeated LTSC 3-2 under the lights at PlayUSA last night to move into first place in the MRL Girls U13 First Division West. With the win Cruzeiro remains unbeaten with a 4-0-1 record.

The first half was total Cruzeiro dominance and Kerry Abello got the opener 15 minutes in with a perfect far post finish after latching onto Lauryn Wesoloski’s inch-perfect through-ball. Jamie Goralski doubled the lead a few minutes later with another great far post finish off Mia Lakstigala’s assist.

LTSC got one back with 10 minutes left in the half, but Jordan King got the eventual game-winner off at Kerry Abello corner with 5 minutes left. In the dying minutes of the first half Cruzeiro had several opportunities to put the game out of reach, but to no avail.

The second half opened with more Cruzeiro dominance and chances, but again without the 4th goal to put the game out of reach. And as is often the case in soccer, when you don’t take your chances your opponent will find a goal to get back into the game. LTSC pulled to within one halfway through the second half and caused the final minutes to be a lot nervier than necessary for Cruzeiro.

However, the girls held onto to the 3-2 lead and can now secure a first place finish in MRL with a win against Campton at home on Wednesday, May 22nd at 6pm.

Team Chicago Academy-Brasilia meanwhile continued its unbeaten run in the MRL Girls U14 First Division West with a 1-1 draw away to Chicago-Inter. Emmerson Fuller got the all-important goal for Brasilia.

Brasilia will now travel to Wisconsin this weekend needing two wins to set up an exciting final MRL match of the season on Wednesday, May 22nd at 7:30pm at PlayUSA for first place and promotion to the Premier Division.