Philadelphia Union Academy had a successful weekend as the U17 and U15 squads took down Atlanta United at home on Saturday before going on the road to defeat the Players Development Academy on Sunday.
The 17s dominated Atlanta United with a 3-0 victory at the Union Training Grounds in Chester. With goals from Edward Davis (34’), Sal Olivas (44’) and Diego Rocio (90’), the Baby Snakes were able to deliver a great all-around performance against a formidable MLS opponent. Meanwhile, they traveled to Somerset, N.J. on Sunday, where they were able to squeak by with a 1-0 victory, playing with a squad of mostly low minute players. In a very physical game where the wind was also playing a factor, Davis was able to score his second goal (15’) in as many days to help get an important three points on the road.
For the 15s, they were able to dominate Atlanta United in a 3-1 victory. After scoring their first two goals from the penalty spot, the Baby Snakes were able to get the third in open play to cap off an impressive home victory. The visitors were able to get a goal in the latter stages of the second half courtesy of a mistake in the back, but it was merely consolation at that point of the match. On Sunday, the squad coasted to a 4-1 victory over PDA, scoring all of them in the first half. The home side was able to find the back of the net during the second half after an impressive 1v1 battle that resulted in an open net opportunity, but it was not enough to spark a comeback.
As both squads celebrate a successful weekend, they start preparations for the 2023 Generation adidas Cup, which will be held from April 1-9 at IMG Academy in Brandenton, Fla. The 17s will face off against the Houston Dynamo, Minnesota United and Argentina’s Boca Juniors. Meanwhile, the 15s will battle it out against Sporting Kansas City, Inter Miami CF and Spain’s Valencia C.F.
