In its first match of the Generation adidas Cup 2014, the Colorado Rapids U-17 squad dropped a 1-0 result to the New York Red Bulls on Tuesday afternoon in Dallas. The Rapids face Brazilian side Flamengo at 3 p.m. CT (2 MT) today, and will close the group stage tomorrow against Seattle at 4 p.m. CT.
Against New York, the Rapids found their first solid chance in the 9th minute when JT Grover curled a shot from the right that skimmed the crossbar. Thereafter, New York had a majority of the first half possession but the Rapids defense kept them from any real opportunities for a 0-0 score at halftime.
Two minutes into the second half, New York broke the deadlock, finishing on a counter attack for a 1-0 lead. They nearly doubled the scoreline, but goalkeeper Tucker Schneider made a crucial save in the 68th minute to keep the Rapids in the match. Seconds before the final whistle, Grover got behind the Red Bulls back four and lifted the ball over the goalkeeper, but the shot went just wide of the right post, and the match ended in a 1-0 loss.
The top team in each of the three groups, as well as the best second place team based on points with a wins tie breaker, will advance to the semifinals. The winners of those two matches will play off for the championship, while the remaining teams will play two matches against opponents based on seeding to determine overall placing. For more information on the tournament, click here.
Colorado Rapids Lineup: Tucker Schneider, Elijah Mwenebitu (Greer Solarte, 65'), Quentin Pearson, William Herzl, Chris Reichman, Samuel Raben, Kyle Ericson (Blake Moncur 50'), Miles Chow, Elias Helbig (Tony Rosales 55'), Nathan Braaten, JT Grover
