A group of Prieto Academy students, families and friends were treated to an outing at Toyota Park for the Chicago Fire’s season home opener on April 10th. The 25 tickets were graciously donated to UI by the Barrington High School Varsity Soccer Team – the Fillies. A huge thank you and shout out to the Fillies for making this day one that our student athletes will never forget. Smiles were wide and eyes alight as they watched the match unfold on the vibrant green pitch of Toyota Park. This was the participants’ first Fire game, and for many, their first time witnessing a professional soccer match. Thank you to the Fillies for making this opportunity possible!
Most of the families arrived in the afternoon to take part in the tailgate and fun that surrounds Chicago Fire matches and the cities’ great soccer culture. When we sat in our seats we discovered that we were just a few rows from the field. Not only could we see the action up close, but we were also in close proximity to the rambunctious but good-natured fan club known as Section 8. Section 8 was taking up one whole section behind the goal decked out in red. Led by their chants and their booming drum lines, our kids had a blast doing the wave and following Section 8’s chants and songs.
As the game came to a close, the Fire could not equalize, and the San Jose Earthquakes were able to hang on to a one goal lead. There was a tinge of disappointment. As the biggest crowd in Chicago Fire home opener history made its way out to the exits and the free-for-all that is Toyota Park’s parking lot, I turned to our soccer players and asked, “So, did everyone enjoy the Fire Game?” The answer was a resounding and confident “Yes!” Truly, a perfect night for taking the families to the pitch and all made possible by the Barrington Fillies!
Not only are the Fillies kind and generous, but they are amazing soccer players too! The Barrington Fillies Women’s Soccer Team took to Toyota Field five times in a six day stretch, culminating in a defeat over Glenbrook South 2-0 on April 17th, earning the prestigious Pepsi Challenge Championship Title! They have also won ten straight matches. Awesome job ladies and congratulations on the title. You all are great role models for our student-athletes!