GA Cup: MLS clubs make statement

<p class="p1"><strong>FRISCO, Texas</strong> - The Generation Adidas Cup continued on Tuesday with both the U17 and U15 age groups of the competition in action. For the U15 age group, Tuesday was the start of the knock-out round of the tournament. Sixteen of the teams advanced out of pool play to the knock-out stages of the event.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">A lengthy weather delay due to lightning in the area pushed the start of the games back into the late hours of the night. The nighttime kickoff did not take any of the heat away from the field as the top teams from around the world looked to claim a spot in the quarterfinals, which will be held on Thursday.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Perhaps the most surprising result from the Round of 16 was Portland Timbers’ 2-1 win over Manchester United. The MLS academy scored twice early in the first half and held on for the victory over the famous club from England. New York Red Bulls topped Sporting KC 2-0, and LAFC rolled to a 4-1 win over CF Montreal. Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, Atlanta United, Valencia, and Tigres also advanced to the quarterfinals.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">PrepSoccer was on hand for the evening games on Tuesday, and noted some of the individual standout performances from the fixtures.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Dempsey Reisch, Los Angeles FC U15 - Reisch scored twice in the second half in the win over CF Montreal. The forward was efficient with his chances. He is right foot dominant, but still hard to stop even when the defender knows which way he is going. He has been one of the breakout stars of the event - as a guest player with LAFC.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="7415" first="DeCarlo" last="Guerra"], Los Angeles FC U15 - Guerra put in an impressive shift in the center of the field for LAFC. He is so good on the ball and is always so calm. He makes excellent decisions when in possession. He has a bright future for a 2008 playing up an age group. [player_tooltip player_id="33304" first="Kyrome" last="Lumsden"] had at least one assist on the day. The talent midfielder made some key passes for his side. Eric Fotsing, Thomas Mooning, and Ewan Derrien Lairet were the standouts for Montreal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Emiliano Zamudio, Portland Timbers U15 - Zamudio was a bright spot for the Timbers in the win over Manchester United. He did well controlling the center of the field for Portland. He made some excellent passes and always seemed to be in the right spots. Eli White and Max Schimke had strong outings at center back. Noah Santos and Max Eisenberg scored the goals for the Timbers.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Shane Donovan, Sporting KC U15 - Donovan was a bright spot in the Sporting KC midfield. The first half against NYRB was chaotic with both teams rushing the play from the jump. Donovan made a difference with his vision. He picked out some great angles to slice up the defense. One of his passes set up the chance that led to the penalty kick in the first half.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Aidan Stokes, New York Red Bulls U15 - Stokes made a great save on a penalty kick in the first half. He earned the shutout victory on Tuesday. Daniel De Oliveira made an athletic block on the second shot off the PK. Jeremiah White, Davi Alexandre, Jeffrey Bryjak, and De Oliveira combined defensively for the shutout. Julian Hall, a 2008, and White scored a goal each. Hall had a terrific finish in the first half for the go-ahead goal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Bryan Delgado, Atlanta United U15 - Delgado is another 2008 who is playing up an age group and doing exceptionally well. He had terrific feel for the game and made the right reads on when to push the pace of the game and when to slow down.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">[player_tooltip player_id="10520" first="Braden" last="Dunham"], Atlanta United U15 - The left center back was smart in his positioning and strong on the tackle. He was too much for Monterrey as the Liga MX academy could not get past him during the game. Dillon Griner, goalkeeper, and Kallylou Toure, the other center back, were also standouts. [player_tooltip player_id="10455" first="Adyn" last="Torres"] and [player_tooltip player_id="10979" first="Rocket" last="Ritarita"] scored the goals for Atlanta United.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Luca Moisa, Real Salt Lake U15 - Moisa has really stepped into that role in the RSL midfield and made it his. He is instrumental to the high-pressing style as he covers ground and defends with proper technique when required. On the ball, he makes good quick decisions. Kevin Hernandez’s lightning fast feet on the wing were also a bright spot for RSL. Zavier Gozo showed glimpses of potential as he looked like one of the best wingers on the day. [player_tooltip player_id="7077" first="Anthony" last="Ramirez"] scored the goal. [player_tooltip player_id="8742" first="Ty" last="Rinker"] recorded the shutout in goal.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>