The Earthquakes U-17 team travelled to Frisco, Texas last week to battle some of the elite academy teams across the world in the Generation adidas Cup. Facing off against several tough opponents including Villareal (Spain), Universidad de Chile and Aspire Academy (Qatar), the Quakes took some positive steps forward with their performance.
“adidas and MLS did a great job in bringing together teams from all over the world, and along with the amazing fields and complex of FC Dallas, it made for some very high-level play throughout the week,” said Earthquakes Academy head coach Paul Holocher.
After taking the West Regional by storm in the Qualifiers with a 5-1 record and impressive +14-goal differential, the Quakes took on Columbus Crew SC in their first matchup. Behind three unanswered goals from Kaya Fabbretti, Arda Bulut and Jason Yanez, San Jose opened the tournament with a 3-0 win over Crew SC. Strong team defense and solid performance by goalkeeper Dominic Peters helped the Quakes preserve the shutout.
San Jose kept the scoring streak going in their second game, with Ivan Valencia getting the Quakes out to an early lead against Universidad de Chile. The Earthquakes kept the game close through most of the second half, but ultimately fell 3-1.
“This was a great game for our team to experience,” said Holocher. “Chile pressed the whole game and from every angle, above and below. It was high-tempo the whole game.”
In their third match, the Earthquakes put on a good showing against Villarreal, who Holocher deemed the “most impressive” team they faced in the tournament. The Quakes were against the wind in the first half and Villarreal was able to take advantage with a couple goals. The Earthquakes came alive in the second half, imposing themselves more and creating better attacks. Though the match culminated in a 3-0 loss, San Jose would not be discouraged heading into their matchup with Toronto FC.
In a nail-biting showdown, the Earthquakes held Toronto FC scoreless through the first half, hitting the post on an early chance. A second-half goal by their opponent proved to be the difference maker in the match, although the Earthquakes nearly equalized late in the game. Winger Adolfo Trujillo impressed in the 1-0 defeat, earning the team’s “Player of the Match” honors by showing excellent attacking qualities and causing problems for Toronto FC from the left wing throughout the match.
The Earthquakes finished the tournament on high note with a 2-1 win over Aspire Academy from Qatar. After a scoreless first half, Aspire Academy took the lead on a turnover. San Jose equalized shortly after behind Arda Bulut’s second goal of the tournament. The Quakes pushed the game to a shootout where they scored all five their penalty kicks, while goalkeeper Ben Ayers came up with a big save to earn the team the 2-1 victory.
“It was a good way to end the tournament,” Holocher said. “Having played five games in a span of 10 days, the guys showed good team character.”
The tournament was a step in the right direction for the Earthquakes youngsters as they proved they could contend against the top competition from across the globe. Holocher was proud of his team’s performance and perseverance.
“This tournament has given us a clear benchmark of the speed of play and intensity of the top international levels. This has been an invaluable learning experience for our players."
