The NYCFC Academy U15 squad is set to begin their journey to the Generation adidas Cup with a trip to a qualifying tournament this weekend in Philadelphia. They won't be the only competitors repping NYCFC at the tournament, as the U17s will be beginning their Cup title defense, as well.
WATCH:NYCFC Academy Players Train with Senior Squad
This tournament will serve as the first round of qualifiers for the 2018 Generation adidas Cup, and will feature seven MLS academies from the US Soccer Development Academy's Eastern region.
Last spring, the NYCFC U16s won the Generation adidas Cup's U17 Premier division with a 1-0 win over Mexico's Tigres UANL academy. Even though they were the youngest side in the competition, the NYCFC Academy squad completed the entire tournament without conceding a single goal to their opponents.
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For their efforts, the U16s not only won the title, but received prestigious individual awards as well. Johan Penaranda earned the Golden Gloves award as the tournament's best goalkeeper, and Gio Reyna won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best outfield player.
It was Reyna who sealed the tournament victory for NYCFC, slotting home a penalty kick in extra time against Tigres.
Gio and many of the other members of that title-winning squad will now be competing at the U17 level with the NYCFC Academy. Their goal will be to bring another piece silverware to the U17 age group, as well as inspiring a standard of excellence in the U15s.
NYCFC Academy Schedule
The NYCFC Academy squads set to take part in this qualifying tournament face two matches over three days against MLS academy competition. Last spring, Orlando City finished 15th in the Generation adidas Cup U17 Premier division, while Philadelphia finished in fourth place.
NYCFC U17 v Orlando City SC: October 7th, 11:00 AM
NYCFC U15 v. Orlando City SC: October 7th, 1:00 PM
NYCFC U15 v. Atlanta United: October 9th, 11:00 AM
NYCFC U17 v. Atlanta United: October 9th, 1:30 PM
