Florida Fire Juniors

Larry Sunderland, FIRE Academy Director at Toyota Park, was able to spend some time with Jhalmar "Seba"Joffre (of the Florida Fire Juniors 99 Boys Premier) this past September as Seba was invited to travel to Mexico City with the Chicago Fire 99 Academy team to play in the Liga Bancomer MX U-15 International Tournament. "Seba was a great fit for the Academy and brought a dimension on the wing that we currently do not have in the Academy program. His attitude is that of a real competitor. This and his ability to get at people are what make him a unique talent" said Sunderland. When asked about his opponents in Mexico and adjusting to his new teammates Seba was impressed and humbled. “The opponents we faced were very physical and much faster. I just played my game. Communication with my teammates was a little hard as I only trained a few days before the trip to Mexico with the team who were great players. By the end of the tournament things came together and I look forward to another opportunity.”

"On and off the field Seba fit in well.  The boys certainly enjoyed having him with us and I think he enjoyed the atmosphere and the quality of the competition". Sunderland believes Seba's development is headed  in the right direction too, but hints at a few things that will help him excel.  "I believe one of the things he will need to improve upon moving forward is his ability to bring others into the game and his recognition of where and when to use his unique talents.  In other words, his connections through the middle third and moving the ball collectively forward as opposed to taking defenders on individually".

Seba stated, “It was a great opportunity to play with the guys in the Academy. It was a great team, great coach and overall great experience and I hope to play again with them soon.” Regarding future plans of having Seba up to Chicago, Sunderland reiterated, "We would love to have Seba in the Academy on a permanent basis.  I think he has a very special gift and we would love to see him develop that to the highest levels".

AZTECA EXPERIENCE: Chicago Fire U-15 Academy brings back momentum from second place finish in Mexico
SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 - Carly Shagrin / Chicago-Fire.com

Following the opening game of group play, the Fire drew Houston Dynamo 1-1 and lost 3-2 to Chivas de Guadalajara. The tournament was set up so the top MLS and top Mexican Academy sides in each group advanced to the semifinals, so despite its 0-2-1 record in group play, the Fire Academy continued on to play Toronto FC in the tournament semifinals. Exemplifying the improvement since the team’s first game, the Fire used goals from David Portugal and Sebastian Joffre in a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Toronto FC to setup a final rematch against Pachuca. < READ MORE >

Chicago Fire Academy U-15s advance to Liga Bancomer MX Final Saturday at Estadio Azteca
SEPTEMBER 19, 2014 - Jeff Crandall / Chicago-Fire.com

The Chicago Fire Academy U-15s took a major step in international play on Friday morning, downing fellow MLS Academy Toronto FC 2-1 in the semifinals of the Liga Bancomer MX tournament in Mexico City. The Fire Academy side had to battle back for the victory after conceding a first half goal to TFC’s Jordan Faria. Fire Academy Director Larry Sunderland reinvigorated the side, coming out punching in the second half before Florida Fire Juniors’ Sebastian Joffre was pulled down in the box for a penalty kick. David Portugal calmly stepped up and put his spot kick to the keeper’s left to equalize in the 45th minute. < READ MORE >

The Florida Fire Juniors is the official youth club affiliate of the Chicago Fire Major League Soccer Club.

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