Long term MLS side, Chicago Fire and Forward Madison FC have gotten together, with Madison being their USL affiliate club. This should come as no surprise as Peter Wilt for one has deep ties to both teams. They are very proximate to each other, some 2.5 hours by car, allowing the Fire to keep good tabs on players of interest.
Chicago Fire SD Gerog Heitz told "We are thrilled to partner with Foward Madison FC as our USL affiliate. Madison is one of the best run clubs in USL and provides the opportunity for our younger players to develop at a top-tier organizatoin."
This union allows the MLS side to loan players to the USL side, permitting their shared midwest fans to follow players on both team. Those loaned out will get more game time to show their quality as those from Madison have a pathway to the top tier of USA soccer. Madison would also be able to use prime players out of the Fire Academy in games and training. This would allow players to keep their amatuer status.
Forward Madison FC CEO Conor Caloia stated "We feel this partnership will have a significant impact on our fight to deliver a championship to Madison this seaon. With the ownership, management team and coaching staff for the Chicago Fire, there is a great energy in that organization right now that aligns well with where we are going."
Madison plays in Wisconsin, at the storied Breese Stevens Field. With this affiliation, every Madison home game will include in attendance a Fire technical staff member to track the players advancements. Also both teams are able to share technical and performance resources and the chance for a game between the two at a later date.
Daryl Shore, an ex FIre asst. is the HC as they look forward to their sophmore season, their first had them go 12-7-9, very respectable, A highlight was their US Open Cup time, they finished highest of all USL League One teams, dropping in the 3rd round to St. Louis FC. This is the 2nd such affiliation for the Fire, the other being with the Lansing Ignite.