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Minnesota United academy teams do OK in GA Cup, but show improvement, net victories over Arsenal and Pumas

andy greder, pioneer press
·3 min read

Minnesota United’s Under-15 and U17 academy teams had mixed results in the Generation adidas (GA) Cup in early April.

But the little Loons showed improvement as the premier tournament, which included teams from every MLS franchise and some of the top academies in the world, progressed in Bradenton, Fla.

Neither MNUFC academy team advanced out of group-stage matches to the knockout rounds. In the consolation — or “showcase” — games, Minnesota’s teams netted a combined six wins and two defeats.

“I felt quite good about the overall 10 days without coming away thinking ‘we’ve arrived’ because we just haven’t yet,” said Amos Magee, MNUFC’s vice president of youth development. “We are middle of the pack, but from where we’ve been two or three years ago. I’m really encouraged by it, and the kids fought and battled and handled themselves really well.”

The best example of improvement was how the U15s were throttled by FC Nordsjaelland 4-0 in the opening match, giving the Danish side “way too much time, space and respect,” Magee relayed.

But in their last game, Minnesota beat Arsenal 2-1. That result was head-turning because Arsenal is of the top outfits in the world. While it’s unclear how much of a top team the London club put on the pitch, MNUFC wasn’t intimidated by what the Gunnars represent.

“We really came out — competed, fought and battled,” Magee said. “For us as a staff, it’s an indication that there was some growth, there was some emotional (growth) and confidence (gained) in the group throughout the tournament. That was pleasing.”

What does MLS winning both age brackets say about the domestic league against some of the biggest clubs in the world?

“You can say that our growth as MLS academies,” Magee said. “You can say it’s weather related (playing in the Florida heat). You can say, jet lag, I don’t know. But we (as MLS) certainly gave better than we got in a lot of those games.”

Overall, Austin FC won the U15 division, but back in October, MNUFC beat Austin 2-0. Philadelphia Union won the U17 division, and MNUFC lost to that team 2-1 in the group stage of GA Cup. Minnesota’s U15s finished 3-4 in the tournament, and the U17s were 4-3.

Minnesota’s U17s also showed growth over the course of the tournament. The U17 team beat Mexico City club UNAM Pumas 6-5 in penalty kicks in their penultimate game. MNUFC has academy players of Mexican descent and they “relished the opportunity to play against them,” Magee said.

“I think it’s great to play to play a Mexican team; I just think the rivalry is in US vs. Mexico,” Magee said. “That was sort (toward the) end of the tournament when it becomes (about) depth and survival, sort of. It just felt like a Concacaf rivalry game, so that was a lot of fun.”

MNUFC academy teams, including its U19 side, will continue with its league seasons and are looking toward MLS NEXT Flex from May 12-16 in Boyds, Md., and MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase from June 17-25 in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

Briefly

Minnesotan Herbert Endeley scored the winning goal as North Texas SC handed MNUFC2 its first loss of the season on Sunday. Loons midfielder Zaydan Bello scored the opening goal before they allowed two goals in the 2-1 defeat. Endeley of Blaine went to Totino-Grace High School and trained with the Loons in at least 2019. We went to Indiana University and played for Minneapolis City SC before FC Dallas drafted him in January. … MNUFC2 is now 3-1-0. … Former MNUFC left back Chase Gasper was claimed off waivers by Houston Dynamo, the club said Sunday. Gasper, 27, was let go by L.A. Galaxy last week. … Mounds View attacking mid Micah Burton, a former MNUFC academy player, scored his first professional goal for Austin FC II on Sunday.

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