The first day of the 2011 Generation adidas Cup is officially in the books, with the U-17 Academy sides from 16 of the 18 MLS teams vying for honors in Frisco, Texas, all week. The tournament decides league bragging rights on a youth level, although some teams use guest players who do not compete for their team's academy year-round.
After reaching the semifinals last year, the Houston Dynamo struggled in their opener, dropping a 2-1 result against the San Jose Earthquakes. U.S. U-17 goalkeeper Fernando Piña saved a penalty for Houston, but a Jesse Garcia brace was enough in a 2-1 win for the Bay Area side. Alfred Trey Richardson (Kingwood) scored the only goal for the Dynamo. Houston will face two-time defending champion D.C. United on Tuesday night.
MORE: Photos from Monday's tournament opener
D.C. got off to a poor start against the Columbus Crew, conceding two early goals in the game’s first 10 minutes. But U.S. U-17 residency player Patrick Foss led United back after the break. He scored twice to tie the game, and D.C. eventually ran away 5-3 winners, with Palamin Fotana, Nigel Robinson, and Collin Martin all getting on the score sheet.
The tournament’s host FC Dallas were another side to start strong. Against Sporting KC, Dallas got first half goals from Alessandro Mion, Marco Ortiz, and Victor Portillo, and went on to win, 4-2.
It was a tight defensive battle for two of the newest academy teams, but the Philadelphia Union emerged victorious over Seattle thanks to a first-half goal from Darius Madison.
Other scores:
Real Salt Lake 3, Chicago 1
Chivas USA 4, Colorado 1
Toronto FC 7, New England Revolution 1
LA Galaxy 5, New York 1
More coverage of the tournament is available at MLSsoccer.com/GACup.
