The D.C. United U-15 and U-17 Academy teams wrapped up their runs at the 2018 Generation adidas Cup over the weekend with the U-17 team earning a spot in the Champions Division of the Generation adidas Cup Finals.
The tournament is one of the premier youth tournaments in North America and featured Academy squads from 19 MLS teams split into qualification matches across three regions (East, Central and West) over the Columbus Day and Presidents' Day weekends.
United’s U-17 team entered the past weekend’s action in Atlanta at 1-2-0 and opened with a 2-1 loss to the NYCFC U-17 team before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union. They then closed the weekend with an emphatic 8-1 win over the New England Revolution to bring their overall record to 3-3-0 in the tournament, qualifying for the Champions Division. United's U-17s will join Atlanta United and NYCFC in the Champions Division of the 2018 Generation adidas Cup Finals at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, later this year.
“The Generation adidas Cup is an excellent event that seems to bring out the best in all the players and teams,” U-18/19 head coach Nate Kish said. “It was fun to see our players step up to the different challenges that each match and each opponent provided.”
Meanwhile, the U-15 squad earned wins over NYCFC, Philadelphia and New England. The performances were promising showings that the coaching staff believes the team can build on.
“Overall the entire event was a great success for our age group,” U-15 head coach John Bello said. “Atlanta's facility is truly a world class playing environment and created an ideal setting for such high level matches. Our players were committed throughout the week to their preparation and it showed in their performances. We are very proud of this group and look forward to what they will accomplish the remainder of the season."
