Aug. 5, 2008

Chicago, Ill.- UIC sophomore Robert Younger (North Lincolnshire, England/The Read School) and the Chicago Fire Super-20 team won the North American National Championship this past Sunday (Aug. 3) after defeating the Toronto Lynx, 2-1, in the USL Super-20 League final in Virginia Beach. Va.

Younger and Fire Super-20 teammate Mark Blades were named the 2008 Super-20 co-Most Valuable Players following the championship match for their play throughout the season.

"We were lead all season by our co-captains, Mark Blades and Robert Younger," Chicago Fire Super-20 head coach Larry Sunderland told USLsoccer.com. "Their leadership qualities really complement one another. Younger is a center back, harder on the guys and more vocal, where Mark leads by example."

Younger led a defense that allowed just two goals while posting three shutouts in five matches during the playoffs. The Fire Super-20s outscored their opponents by a 15-2 margin during that five-game postseason stretch.

Two weeks ago Younger was also named to the 2008 PDL All-Central Conference Team for his work with the Chicago Fire Premier.