The Rapids Development Academy returned Easter Sunday morning from Dallas, TX having competed over a 10-day period at the Generation adidas Cup (GA Cup). The GA Cup is a hallmark of youth soccer development in North America, and serves as the main platform for MLS academies to compete against clubs of the highest international level.
Over the course of a year, the GA Cup incorporates three age groups: U-12, U-15 and U-17. The 12’s play one event among all MLS clubs. This event is in conjunction with the U-17 international event. The 15’s played two regional tournaments (friendly format) simultaneously with the 17’s.
This year the Rapids traveled first to Toronto in the fall, and then to Houston earlier this spring. For the 17’s, those two events served as a qualifying/seeding process for the international event that took place over the last week and a half in Dallas. This year's event included some of the most renowned clubs from Europe, South America and North America (including the likes of Real Madrid, Flamengo, AS Monaco, Tigres, and more).
The U-12 Rapids Academy consisted of players from Colorado as well as Rapids’ Alliance Clubs from New Mexico and North Carolina. While in Dallas the young academy boys competed in (shortened) games vs. LAFC, Toronto FC, Portland Timbers, New York City FC, Real Salt Lake and Columbus Crew SC.
The U-17 Rapids Academy played in the premier division and was grouped with Montreal Impact, Philadelphia Union and Club Tijuana.
A very windy day one combined with a talented opposition provided a great challenge for the Rapids boys. After scoring a fine goal through Logan Dorsey via a quick counter, the boys conceded two goals to lose 2-1.
Game two was played against an equally talented opponent in Philadelphia. A solid team performance, worthy of victory, and a Jayson Baca goal were not enough to see the boys through. An injury time goal by the Union handed Philly victory.
Character shined through in game three when the boys faced Liga MX's Club Tijuana, who were fresh off a 2-1 victory over Montreal. The Rapids boys won 3-1 on goals from Oliver Larraz, Noah Boettiger and Cole Bassett.
Game four for the boys also provided international flavor when the boys took on Matsumoto Yamaga FC of Japan's J-League. A back and forth match ended with the Rapids boys scoring an equalizer (3-3) with three minutes to go followed by the game winner two minutes into stoppage time. Goals by Dorsey and Jason Robles (two each) carried the boys to a 4-3 win.
The final match was played against San Jose. This was a close contest but as the second half progressed the Rapids boys took firm grasp of the game and what seemed to be a comfortable 2-1 lead. Both goals again coming from Dorsey. In the dying minutes of the game however, the Quakes pulled back a goal to level at 2-2. Win Ellis made the critical save in penalties and the Rapids boys, for the third game in a row, were victorious!
One of the many highlights of the event happened off the field and on the sidelines as the Rapids 12's and 17's exemplified the #ONECLUB mantra through their support of one another during competition and the bonding during meals and meetings at the hotel. The experience created special memories and the Colorado Rapids Soccer Club was well represented for all to see.
Chase Ricker (Rio)
Jaziel Perez Vega (Rio)
Jackson Dubois (Rio)
Bennett Skinner (Carolina)
Ethan Yates (Carolina)
From Colorado:
Trey Wilhoite (GK)
Ibrahim Al-Saaid
Joe Bush
Jacob Lahlou
Andre Romo
Alexis Salas
Devyn Mena
