For the second straight year the Philadelphia Union Academy will be represented in the Generation adidas Cup Semifinals as the U-17 team won on Friday evening in Florida.
U17 knock off HNK Hajduk Split, 4-2
The U17s needed just eight minutes to break open the scoring against the Croatian side, with Peter Doran getting his first goal of the tournament with a rocker from the top of the box. Captain Anisse Saidi kept the offense rolling as he doubled the Union's advantage before the break with a quick move to his left at the top of the box before ripping a left-footed shot inside the opposite post.
Peter McDonnell's side didn't rest on their two-goal advantage and quickly added what an important third goal in the 33rd minute with a smashing header from Diego Rocio inside the box to finish off a cross from Jordan Griffin. The Croatian side then battled its way back into the match trimming the deficit to 3-1 with a goal in the 38th minute. Eight minutes later the margin between the two sides was trimmed to just one as the momentum of the contest quickly turned against the Boys in Blue. However Philly stuck to its team principles to lock down on the defensive side and hit on the counter. The methodology resulted a second-half brace for Rocio, as the forward hit on the counter attack in the final moments of the contest to book the Philly's spot into the Semifinal.
The U17s continue their path to become the first team to repeat as GA Cup Champions with a spot in the final on the line tomorrow afternoon. The Boys in Blue will battle Brazilian giants CF Flamengo in the Semifinals who defeated PSV Eindhoven by a 1-0 marin. Kick off is set for 5PM on Saturday with fans able to view the match broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
U15s fall to Columbus Crew
Philadelphia Union Academy U-15 side returned to the pitch on Friday afternoon, taking on the Columbus Crew in a showcase match at the 2024 Generation adidas Cup.
The two MLS sides were coming off narrow defeats the previous day with both teams hungry to return to their winning ways as the event draws to a conclusion. The Union came out on the front foot with a pair of scoring chances early in the half but couldn't break through the defense. Despite absorbing constant pressure from Philly in the first half, it was a late strike in the half that proved the difference as Columbus got a goal right before the break.
Henry Apaloo's side showed great heart and determination in the final 30-minute period with attack after attack to find an equalizer that somehow just didn't find its way past the Crew keeper.
