Generation Adidas Cup Standouts Day 2

Another lovely day for spectators at [program_tooltip program_id='283661' first='IMG' last='Academy'] in Bradenton, Florida. As the days go by the games become more and more important. Players are battling hard and given that games at this event are only 30 minute halves every second seems a little bit more important. After the first two days I would say that Boca Juniors are the favorites in the U16 division and Valencia in the U15 division. Here are some standouts from Day 2 of this tournament.    Etienne was everywhere in defense for Charlotte today against LAFC. He seems to be the emotional leader for this side as he is extremely vocal and encouraging with his teammates telling them where he wants them to be. He made clearance after clearance mopping up at the back and will put his body on the line for the cause.     Real had a very eventful morning. It was apparent that LAFC were trying to play through him offensively. He had some lovely touches in midfield sending his teammates off to the races with a handful of perfectly weighted through balls. His ball skills are exceptional and he's really good in condensed spaces. LAFC won a penalty late in the game when 1-0 down that Real buried in the left corner. He then proceeded to get sent off a couple of minutes later for an unlucky professional foul and second yellow. His side ended up winning in PK's.     It's not every day that you see a girl playing for an MLS Academy let alone start. Paletta did both for NYSC today. She earned her right to be out there with an excellent performance. She always wants the ball, constantly calling for it and making things happen. Technically she was one of the best players on the field she has incredible touch, vision and dribbling ability. I was very impressed.     Lara showed today that he is not only the top player in California but he is one of the top players in the world in his age group. Going into this game against Barcelona I think many people were expecting La Masia to beat the Quakes easily. This is not how the game went. Lara scored a lovely goal to open the scoring getting on the end of a through ball rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home. He nearly scored again in almost identical fashion except he hit the post from a tighter angle. Lara also had a goal disallowed late that in my opinion shouldn't of been. This kid is a special young talent. The Quakes were unlucky not to win this one in normal time but they did get the win on PK's earning an extra point.     An absolute dead ball demon. Moscow scored an elastico in the first that dipped right into the top corner. He proceeded to take most of the free kicks and set pieces looking dangerous on just about every one. Excellent passer of the ball and fast in transition.     Very impressive display from Lariba today against the Seattle Sounders. He is physically dominant, great in the air, fast and flashes excellent distribution out of the back. He has everything that the modern day center back needs and then some. Extremely promising talent.     They say the hardest position to find in soccer is the left footed center back. Well look no further then James. This kid reads the game exceptionally well and can run stride for stride with even the fastest of strikers. If there's a 50-50 to be won bet your bottom dollar James will come out on top. He can pick out any pass to one of his midfielders or strikers whether that be into feet or over the top. Top player whom I see either at a top 10 collegiate program or signing a homegrown deal.

Another lovely day for spectators at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. As the days go by the games become more and more important. Players are battling hard and given that games at this event are only 30 minute halves every second seems a little bit more important. After the first two days I would say that Boca Juniors are the favorites in the U16 division and Valencia in the U15 division. Here are some standouts from Day 2 of this tournament.