Championship Sunday has arrived at the 2023 Generation adidas Cup and Philadelphia Union is looking to make history as the first Academy to hoist the double in Florida.
A pillar of the organization is to give opportunities to the top young talent making their way through the Union's Pathway to the Pros. At the base of the foundation is the Union Academy which has produced numerous stars for the first team with Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Paxten Aaronson having left their mark on the club and now playing in Europe. It wasn't just one wave though from the Academy with another following with current talent such as Jack McGlynn, Quinn Sullivan, Brandan Craig all playing key parts for the U.S. U-20 National Team that'll play in the FIFA World Cup this summer.
And now there is clearly another wave on the horizon as both the U15s and U17s stand 60 minutes away from lifting the Generation adidas Cup, something the Union have only done once in its history. In 2012 the U17s claimed the title with Union Head Coach Jim Curtin leading the team that had USMNT keeper Zach Steffen in net and the first homegrown in Union history Zach Pfeffer getting minutes as well.
The pathway to the championship matches has seen many highs but both teams have yet to let the moment get to them. They're playing the beautiful game no matter who is on the other side of the pitch. Both sides have faced off against well known opposition and emerged victorious. For the U15s they've knocked off Spanish sides Valencia C.F. and Real Madrid in kicks from the penalty spot which showcased just how locked in Henry Apaloo's side currently is. Oh and they thumped Arsenal by a 4-1 margin as well. The U17s have been a masterclass of defense just like the Union first team, with only one single goal allowed through the entire tournament having beaten the likes of Palmeiras from Brazil and Remo Stars FC from Nigeria.
Union fans are always looking for talent in the pipeline and with the matches broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, the world will get to see the future of the Union as well. Saturday will be a long day with three big matches taking place for the Boys in Blue. The U15s kick off the action first at 2:30pm ET facing off against Austin FC. The U17s conclude the nine-day tournament with a 5:30pm ET kick off against FC Dallas.
