The report says the title run was decided under pressure. Chicago Magic FC reportedly drew 2-2 with California’s Claremont Stars in the semifinal before advancing on penalties, then edged Texas side VV FC 5-4 in the final.
“It was very exciting and full of energy when we were playing that tournament,” Caddell said. The experience appears to have offered an early lesson in resilience, with the young midfielder and his teammates required to stay composed through two tense knockout matches.
Caddell’s progress has reportedly been backed by a close family network. His grandparents Cheryl and Dennis Seymour and younger brother Otto were said to have watched the final, while coach Tyler Engel and Caddell’s parents, Lee Caddell Sr. and Cherise Brown, remain part of his support system.
His uncle Shannon Seymour has been particularly influential, having spent time in the Chicago Fire Academy before playing for Northwestern and moving into coaching. “My uncle was who inspired me to play soccer,” Caddell said.
That connection gives the next step added meaning. The report says Caddell has played since 2018, beginning with YMCA activities before continuing through local youth football and becoming a cocaptain of the Magic.
The move to the Chicago Fire Academy should bring a more demanding development environment, while the IberCup will offer Caddell an opportunity to test himself internationally alongside familiar teammates.
For now, his message is simple: “This shows me that hard work really pays off.” The next storyline will be whether that work carries him smoothly into academy football and a memorable first trip to Portugal.