The U-16s and U-18s traveled to Miami, Florida from March 24-26 for U.S. Soccer Development Academy matches vs. two strong oppositions in Kendall SC and Weston FC. The Atlanta United U-18s went 1-0-1 on the weekend in the hot Miami sun. In their first match, center midfielder Victor Pereyrea-Zavala scored the game-winner to prevail 1-0 over Kendall SC. On Sunday vs. Weston FC the U-18s were held to a 1-1 draw in a back and forth game where the lone ATL UTD goal was scored in the 46th minute by striker Patrick Okonkwo; his team-leading sixteenth goal of the year!
The U-16s faced a solid Kendall SC team to open their series of matches in Miami. Under tough weather and field conditions the U-16s were defeated 2-0; just their third defeat of the year. However, on day two in Florida, the squad responded against Weston FC. In the 17th minute they took an early lead behind a Dylan Gaither strike, but just three minutes later the opponents equalized in the 20th minute. Atlanta United took control in the second half with an early goal from Will Crain, an Alessandro Castro finish, and a Weston FC own goal. The final score finished 4-2 in favor of the boys in red and black.
On April 1, Atlanta United U-13s and U-14s traveled to Mills Park in Cary, North Carolina for an away fixture vs. Triangle FC. Atlanta United finished 1-1 on the day with the U-14s defeating Triangle FC with an 11th minute tally from Emerson Chavez and a first half brace from Daniel Mangarov, keeping the home side scoreless and completing the 3-0 victory. The Atlanta United U-13s then fell to a tough Triangle FC side to close out academy action in North Carolina.
Atlanta United U-18 Lagos Kunga has been called into U.S. U-20 training camp in London, England.
This is Kunga’s first U.S. U-20 call up, and it comes at a very critical time for coach Tab Ramos as he starts to formulate his roster for the U-20 FIFA World Cup that is just 6 weeks away. The U-20 FIFA World Cup will be held in South Korea, May 20-June 11. The U.S. finds themselves in Group E with Ecuador, Saudi Arabia and Senegal.
To see the full U.S. U-20 roster for the Training Camp in London, which includes Kunga & Atlanta United first team member, Miles Robinson, click here.
Up next for Atlanta United Academy is the Generation Adidas Cup in Frisco, Texas. The GA Cup is an annual international tournament that includes U-12 & U-17 MLS Academy teams and some of the best international clubs from around the world.
The Atlanta United U-17s have been drawn in Group C which includes the Colorado Rapids, Malaga CF (Spain) and the two-time defending GA Cup Champions, River Plate (Argentina).
Atlanta United’s opening match vs. River Plate on Friday, April 7 at 6:15pm (CST) will be live streamed on MLSsoccer.com.
The Atlanta United U-12s have been drawn in Group C which includes defending U-12 GA Cup Champions Villarreal CF (Spain), as well as MLS Clubs FC Dallas, San Jose Earthquakes, and the Philadelphia Union.
To keep up with the Atlanta United Academy at Generation Adidas Cup follow along on Twitter & Instagram @AcademyATLUTD
