Aug. 5, 2008
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Northwestern rising junior Mark Blades and rising sophomores Matt Eliason and Cody Stanley guided their Chicago Fire Super-20 team to the North American Championship Sunday in Virginia Beach, Va. The Fire topped the Toronto Lynx 2-1 in the title match.
Eliason, a forward, scored both of his team's goals in the championship tilt and earned the Golden Boot honors for his six goals in five games. In the team's semifinal win over D.C. United the previous day, he contributed a goal and an assist in the Fire's 3-0 victory.
Blades, a midfielder/defender, was recognized for his efforts through the season by being named the co-Most Valuable Player. He shared the honor with UIC defender Robert Younger.
Stanley, a defender, was also stellar in helping the Fire concede only two goals during the finals week in five games played.
"All the Northwestern players were outstanding," said John Dorn, Fire Premiere President and Director of Player Development. "Obviously, Mark Blades provided great leadership, Matt Eliason scored the goals and Cody Stanley was one of our top defenders, particularly during the semifinals against D.C. United. As with any Northwestern players we have had here, they are great kids as in terms of their work ethic in practice and how they represent themselves on and off the field."
The three players can now turn their attention to Northwestern's upcoming season. NU opens exhibition play next Saturday, August 16 when it hosts Lewis at 10 a.m. at Lakeside Field.