After leading Philadelphia Union Academy to its second-consecutive U-17 Generation adidas Cup, Diego Rocio and Neil Pierre have been named to the 2024 Generation adidas Best XI.
Rocio earned U-17 Most Valuable Player honors after leading the championship side with five goals in the knockout round. The forward's offensive explosion started in the Quarterfinal matchup against Croatian side HNK Split where he netted a second-half brace to see the Union on via a 4-2 margin. 24 hours later the Union advanced to their second-straight U-17 final after Rocio scored twice against Brazilian side, CF Flamengo. In the 2024 GA Cup Final, Rocio again around the goal, scoring his fifth of the event. After forcing a turnover in LA Galaxy’s defensive third of the pitch, Cavan Sullivan hit a cross into the box that saw a half clearance from a defender. Rocio hustled quickly to intercept the ball and hit a blast that snuck under the keeper for the 1-0 lead.
Pierre was a defensive anchor for the Union U-17s, playing every minute of the tournament. Pierre helped the Boys in Blue earn decisive shutouts against South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Brazil's CF Flamengo. Pierre delivered the championship winning finish from the penalty spot in the sixth round, burying a right-footed blast past the keeper.
