From December 3 to 6, U15 and U17 teams from the Austin FC Academy traveled west to California to compete in Generation adidas Cup Qualifiers. The event followed a strong MLS NEXT season for both sides so far, where the squads have combined to post a 5-1-1 record.
“The MLS NEXT Fest GA Cup event was an incredibly valuable and positive experience for our U15 and U17 teams,” said Austin FC Academy Director Tyson Wahl. “We gained valuable experience competing against MLS Academy teams from around the country. Exposing our two oldest teams to this level of competition is critical for player development.”
At the Silver Lakes Sports Complex in Norco, California, Austin FC’s U15 team kicked off the event with a 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union, followed by a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Salt Lake and a 1-1 draw with Orlando City SC. Those results earned Austin a second-place finish in Group E.
The U17 side recovered from an opening defeat to LAFC to earn a thrilling 3-3 draw with D.C. United, then wrapped up its trip with a narrow 3-2 loss to FC Cincinnati.
Both teams will be back in MLS NEXT action in January with a journey south to face Rio Grande Valley FC Toros.
