In a weekend of inclement weather, Team Chicago Academy-Internacional fought through the mud, standing water, wind, and torrential rains to take 2nd place at Puma Cup in Rockford, IL.

After a disappointing 4-0 opening loss to long-time rival Midwest Reign Knockouts, Internacional bounced back with two impressive 7-0 and 5-1 wins against Freeport Fire and F.C. Milwaukee to set up a re-match against the Knockouts in the final.

Playing in their 4th game in 28 hours, and into wind, the Internacional players came out a little flat, but managed to make it to halftime only 1-0 down. 2nd half brought a much better performance, and with a little bit of composure and/or luck and we would have been up 2-1 in the first 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, that didn’t happen and instead the Knockouts scored on their only chance of the 2nd half to make it 2-0. With 15 minutes left Internacional threw all caution to the wind in an attempt to get back into the game, but it was all for naught as the Knockouts held on to their 2-0 lead and the championship.

It was a disappointing result, but based on the 2nd half a very good performance. And overall, it was a good weekend for Internacional, and a great start to the outdoor season.