The neighborhood futsal tournament, sponsored by Red Line SG, brought together teams from across Chicago, featuring squads from Favella FC, 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.
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 Crossbar Syndicate, and an exciting commemorative issue of Futsal Manga by Eye x Foot, complete with two beautiful illustrations created for the occasion.
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.
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!
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 third-kit release event that things were looking good - but now, I suppose, we’ve got 3/4 of a billion more reasons.
AIFC