Philadelphia Union Academy swept its way to the knock out rounds of the 2023 Generation adidas Cup with two more victories in Florida.
The U17s started off the afternoon session with a 2-1 win over IMG Academy to cap off their impressive showing and take the top spot in Group 5.
The Boys in Blue jumped out to an early lead IMG Academy with a strong finish from Alex Perez and then doubled their advantage just before the halftime whistle with Daniel Krueger making it a 2-0 Union lead going into intermission. The Union defense took control in the second half limiting the Florida side to very few offensive chances to see out the result but the side would break the club's shutout streak just before the final whistle to put a small blemish on a perfect Group Stage record.
Meanwhile the U15s squared off against La Liga side Valencia C.F. from Spain with the action going down to the final moments before emerging with the Group's top spot with a 4-3 win from the penalty spot.
Henry Apaloo's side faced a tough challenge in their Group 6 finale, taking on a Valencia C.F. side that had momentum of their own after a 4-1 victory against Inter Miami CF the previous day. The sides would showcase great defensive talent, limiting each offense to just a handful of scoring chances where each starting keeper would prevent a goal.
When the final whistle rang out, the match remained scoreless with kicks from the penalty spot determining who would take the victory and all three points. Both sides traded goals in the early rounds and as the pressure intensified, the Union stayed calm and collected to earn a 4-3 victory and claim the top spot in the group.
