Almost Inform

<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide default"><p><iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1NEPdadIG70" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/maradona.JPG" data-entity-uuid="23c2a672-9325-43cd-bbd0-5eea8c645e49" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">The Hand of God Re-Release</p></div></div></div><p>Last week, <a href="http://almostinform.com/chicago-saturdays-football-store">Saturday’s Football</a> celebrated Diego’s birthday by dropping an exciting new collection. The legend’s estate teamed up with the brand to create <a href="https://saturdaysfootball.com/collections/diego-maradona-collection" target="_blank">signature designs</a> honoring the Argentine icon, capturing the spirit and magic that made Maradona unforgettable.</p><p>Fans showed up in their favorite Maradona kits, paying tribute to his unmatched legacy. Hameedullah brought the Latin beats while guests enjoyed refreshing drinks and snapped photos in the booth - a perfect mix of fútbol, music, and community.</p><p>From the “Hand of God” to the “Goal of the Century,” Diego Maradona’s moments on the pitch remain timeless. He lifted Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, turned Napoli into champions, and inspired millions with his fearless play and larger-than-life personality.</p><p>Happy birthday to El Diego - may you outrun six Englishmen on your way to a goal in heaven.</p>

<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JkEqDxm7ktY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/fireman.png" data-entity-uuid="6ebac163-7063-41f2-9460-3c675d701a32" data-entity-type="file" width="1100" height="769">Loons 4 Freedom</p></div></div></div><p>Came out early with the 1871 Barn Burners, excited to see what banners would be featured for the playoffs! The Sector Latino supporters were flying streamers and laying out banners, bringing the energy before kickoff. Once everything was set, we headed back to the tailgate - a true celebration of the Chicago soccer community, with all the supporter groups and, of course, plenty of Malört.</p><p>At 7:30 we shuffled into the stadium, and the supporters’ section was jumping! The Fire had scored three before the 68th minute, keeping fans out of their seats. It was the first playoff match in eight years, and sharing it with fellow long-waiting fans made it special. No matter how the season ends, it’s been an incredible ride, full of hope for the future.</p>

<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/45XyvDoJeWU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A9193.JPG" data-entity-uuid="1be59f0a-d51b-4e30-a602-8cc27ef2b577" data-entity-type="file" width="2000" height="1333">Chinga La Migra</p></div></div></div><p>The Chinga La Migra kit-press event, held on October 18th, in support of ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights), turned out to be a massive success! Hosted in solidarity with Sector Latino, BPF, Barra Brava, Section 8 Independent Support Group, CFSirens, and Gente Fina, among others. The Crossbar Syndicate crew worked nonstop to supply personalized kits, and power the event.</p><p>Highlighting here some before and after photos of garments people found or brought to the event. As orders rolled in, and the crew went into sprint-mode for the remainder of the event, I realized it was going to be too difficult to photograph all of the original designs getting created on the spot, so I did my best to capture a few examples that caught my eye.</p><p>Groups that helped to build the footy community in Chicago, showed up in droves! Sector Latino organized a lottery, with prizes provided by Barra Brava and Gente Fina. Special thanks to @marzbrewing for hosting the event and contributing to the cause!</p><p>Due to overwhelming success, we intend to continue to put on more events like this one! Focusing on fundraising for important organisations like ICIRR has allowed us to improve the way these events unfold, and collaborate in support of our community.</p><p>Huge thanks to everyone who came out and took a stand! We really appreciate the support! As we continue to build community ties in Chicago, we will continue to stand with our brothers and sisters who make up such an important part of our Footy community.</p>

<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5yhL1vcU_58" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rl.JPG" data-entity-uuid="84e2bb08-2630-45f9-8f4d-8eaf83e4b30a" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Red Line SG - Neighborhood Tournament</p></div></div></div><p>The neighborhood futsal tournament, sponsored by Red Line SG, brought together teams from across Chicago, featuring squads from <a href="https://almostinform.com/favella-fc-3rd-annual-futsal-tournament">Favella FC</a>, GOAT_MVMT, and Beverly Pickup, alongside a network of free facilities promoted by the supporters group. The rest of the 12-team field was formed by region, with multiple entries representing Reyes, Chopin, Horner, and Marquette.&nbsp;</p><p>The event also featured some unique additions: a foosball table with two remote-control cars for a live “Rocket League” experience, a curated selection of kits from <a href="https://almostinform.com/edgewater-castle-finale-crossbar-syndicate-flag-collaboration">Crossbar Syndicate</a>, and an exciting commemorative issue of Futsal Manga by Eye x Foot, complete with two beautiful illustrations created for the occasion.&nbsp;</p><p>Matches were set at 10 minutes, with three goals needed to advance, but after six minutes, players were dropped from each team if needed, intensifying the pace. From Morgan Park on the South Side to Mather on the North, teams converged in fierce, genuine city-wide games.&nbsp;</p><p>With the group stages complete, eight teams advanced to the quarter-finals. In the end, a Reyes Park squad was left to face a home-court Horner side in the championship. Reyes Park prevailed, lifting the cup, and it was revealed they would be honored this Saturday by walking onto the field during the Chicago Fire’s final match of the season!&nbsp;</p><p>I’ll leave you with the closing words of Red Line’s president, Jake, which I truly believe: “As long as the community works together, there’s no reason Chicago can’t be the greatest soccer city in America by the time the new Fire stadium is unveiled.” I said back at the <a href="https://almostinform.com/chicago-fire-saturdays-football-2025-municipal-kit-launch-party">third-kit release</a> event that things were looking good - but now, I suppose, we’ve got 3/4 of a billion more reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2z4oOR3grao" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/woso.JPG" data-entity-uuid="2a983116-3845-4174-a80d-2b44e200ef27" data-entity-type="file" width="1350" height="900">Chicago WOSO Soccer Tournament</p></div></div></div><p>Last Sunday, Chicago Women’s Soccer (WOSO) brought the community together for an exciting 8v8 tournament. The event was held in partnership with NBHD, a nonprofit that builds community through accessible soccer programs. WOSO’s mission is to provide a welcoming home for women and underrepresented players of every background.</p><p>Teams played 20-minute matches against every opponent, which kept the tournament running well into the afternoon. Following the opening round of matchups, the stage was set for a final clash between Tigres in blue and Roja in red. Ultimately, the match went to penalties, and Tigres had just enough to cross the line and take home the win.</p>

<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QGXpf1zsN3g" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/vella.JPG" data-entity-uuid="17ffe3de-5b9a-468e-a10a-20c10e545dfe" data-entity-type="file" width="1650" height="1100">Favella FC's 3rd Annual Futsal Tournament</p></div></div></div><p>The Third Annual <a href="https://almostinform.com/favella-fcs-fifa-tournament-champions-embassy-public-house">Favella FC</a> Futsal Tournament featured 10 teams competing for the prize this year! It was an exciting afternoon, with a two-group format that brought together some of my favorite people from across the city’s soccer community. Pilsen’s Reyes Park on 19th hosted a mix of footballers, artists, musicians, designers, creators, mixologists, organizers, vendors, and sports medicine professionals... Vida de favela!</p>

<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6L5GdKRMHhM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ecfc-crossbar.JPG" data-entity-uuid="f2bea2cb-8bf7-4569-8fbb-b5f7fac2c976" data-entity-type="file" width="1500" height="1000">ECFC - Crossbar Syndicate</p></div></div></div><p>I went to the final game for <a href="https://almostinform.com/edgewater-castle-fc">Edgewater Castle</a> this year with my friend Thad from <a href="https://almostinform.com/sidewalk-fc-way-walk">Sidewalk FC</a> and the recently formed Crossbar Syndicate. The team had clinched the title by then, so the atmosphere was great. We also got to see the upcycled pennants and corner flags they had created for the team.</p><p><a href="https://almostinform.com/chicago-fifa-league-doubles-tournament-ignite-gaming-lounge">A few weeks ago</a>, I spoke with Murtadha, a player for Edgewater Castle, about their successful season this year. Both the men’s and women’s teams won their respective divisions. I attended the men’s final match in the MWPL Heartland Division, where their victory capped off an impressive campaign.&nbsp;</p><p>The league cup was on full display and ECFC also displayed some excellent merchandise, including Argyle scarves that will come in handy sooner than I’d like. They also produce some of the best commemorative match artwork of any club in Chicago.</p><p>Also on display were the custom flags and pennants that Crossbar Syndicate had made for ECFC. The team had recently switched kit sponsorship to Lotto, so they went to work repurposing the old designs. It was great to see the first project from months ago on full on throughout the field.</p><p>In the end, I forgave Rookie the club mascot for mean-mugging me. ECFC won the game late, on a counter attack that felt perfect and Rookie was cool with me taking a selfie with him and cup! Rooks Rooks Rooks indeed.</p>

<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NqSreWkQpI0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/poster1.jpg" data-entity-uuid="f8964c6e-959f-4cbc-96b8-46bc76a91d40" data-entity-type="file" width="1440" height="1795">Goru Kits Chicago Pop-UP</p></div></div></div><p>The Goru Kit pop-up was one of the best traveling displays I’ve seen in the city! Mitchell and Jeff were very helpful and knowledgeable. We talked about the unique specialties of the collection they had curated for Chicago. The display featured an impressive range of kits from Japan’s national teams as well as the <a href="https://almostinform.com/documentary-inside-japans-football-obsession-fourfourtwo">J.League</a>, but it also clearly had something for everyone.&nbsp;</p><p>Based in Minneapolis (a city with daily flights to Japan) the shop has built close ties overseas, giving their collection a direct and unique connection to Japanese football culture. That subsection was as robust as any I’ve ever seen, so I made sure to highlight a few gems, my favorite was the ’98 Japan national team #11 Kazu kit.</p><p>They also happened to be sponsoring a scavenger hunt that day, so I decided to join in. The hunt began near me in Wicker Park, then led me to Saturday’s Football, and finally into the Goru Kit Pop-Up. I ended up completing it and took home some great items, including a 2019 <a href="https://almostinform.com/chicago-fire-fc">Chicago Fire FC</a> home kit and a poster from local artist Clue for that night’s upcoming match vs. LAFC.&nbsp;</p><p>When I made it into the shop, I was especially interested in seeing the Chicago Sting kits they had on display. The Sting were Chicago’s first pro soccer team—one of the most successful and beloved clubs in the city’s history. Their branding was inspired by the film of the same name, and the black and yellow colors quickly became iconic, instantly recognizable as part of the team’s identity. Honestly, I can’t even remember if I’d ever seen one of their jerseys in person before, let alone a whole collection.&nbsp;</p><p>Goru Kits put together an incredible set of pieces to explore, and impressed me with their knowledge and deep connection to the culture. I’m looking forward to seeing what they have in store next—and I definitely need to make a trip to Minneapolis to check out their full collection, which looks to be one of the biggest in the Midwest!</p>