Philadelphia Area Players to Watch at GA Cup
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The hype around Cavan Sullivan Cavan Sullivan M State #1 Nation PA has exploded in recent weeks with reports of a pending deal that will see him stay with the Philadelphia Union and transfer to Manchester City when he turns…
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Continue ReadingThe hype around Cavan Sullivan Cavan Sullivan M State #1 Nation PA has exploded in recent weeks with reports of a pending deal that will see him stay with the Philadelphia Union and transfer to Manchester City when he turns 18 but there are a number of other players to watch at the Generation adidas Cup, including a few players with local ties who don’t play for the Union.
For more on the GA Cup, visit www.mlssoccer.com/generation-adidas-cup.
What’s there to say about Cavan that hasn’t already been said in recent days. Though he’s just 14, he made his pro debut with Philadelphia Union II and despite struggling a bit with the physicality of the game he delivered a beautiful direct ball that said up the game-winning assist. Playing back with the U-17s in Florida he’s poised to be one of the top players in the competition again.
Highlights
Junior Diouf
Junior Diouf
Diouf is playing with the New York Red Bulls U17 as a guest player. The Phelps School standout has been on a steady climb since joining Penn Fusion, scoring goals and creating a bevy of chances playing as a traditional No. 9. Playing with Red Bull will give him an even bigger platform to be seen.
Overshadowed by the debut of his teammate Cavan, Kellan also got his first minutes for Union II on Sunday and despite not seeing a lot of the ball has some positive moments. His ball skills, movement and creativity are all top notch and make him an entertaining player to watch.
Though the U15s don’t come in with quite the expectations the group did last year, there are some standout players in the squad that have a chance to make a name for themselves. Mateo is one of them as a player who is heavily involved in the midfield and is pretty easy to pick out.
Malik is a promising forward who has a lot of the attributes you like to see in a young player up top: ability to win balls in the air, hold the ball up and finish.
Greer was really impressive coming off the bench in the U17’s game last weekend against Atlanta United on the defensive side and also contributed an equalizer goal. His toughness and grit, especially in difficult weather conditions, made a noticeable difference.
Edwin Flores
Edwin Flores
Flores is a strong and crafty holding midfielder from Wilmington, Del. who plays centrally for the New England Revolution.
Chirila was always a prolific goal scorer when he was younger but after being under-utilized in the Union system he moved on to FC Cincinnati and has been scoring goals in bunches since. The forward from Allentown can beat you both with his technical skill and his physical presence.
Johnson also made his debut with Union II in their win over New England Revolution II. His quickness is a noticeable asset both in defending and attacking.