New York Red Bulls U-16 traveled to Toronto for the first round of the Generation adidas Cup fall qualifiers. After three games, the Red Bulls sit on top of the East region tied with Toronto FC with six points each. New York has a goal differential of seven, while Toronto’s is one.
The Generation adidas Cup is Major League Soccer’s annual elite youth tournament for U-17 academy teams. Teams are divided into three regions (East, Central and West) and participate in two qualifying events per region. The final round of qualifiers will be held in the spring on Feb. 12-15, 2016.
The top two teams in each region after both qualifying events will participate against other international sides for the Championship Division title, while the remaining teams will play for the consolation Premier Division title. Both finals tournaments take place in Frisco, Texas on March 18-26, 2016.
Last year, the Red Bulls U-16s won the Premier Division title, defeating Colombia’s Independiente Medellin in the final, 2-1.
Game 1: New York Red Bulls (1) vs. Toronto FC (2)
TORONTO (October 9, 2015) – The Red Bulls U-16s opened qualifiers against hosts Toronto FC. New York came out strong, but could not finish their early chances. Toronto made them pay when they scored off a rebound to go up, 1-0. The score remained the same into the second half until Ben Mines was taken down for a penalty kick. Omir Fernandez scored the penalty to even the match, 1-1. The Red Bulls continued to attack the Toronto goal before a red card was handed out to Red Bulls midfielder Mines. Toronto scored soon after and held on for the win, 2-1.
Scoring Summary:
Toronto FC
NY: Omir Fernandez (PK)
Toronto FC
Game 2: New York Red Bulls (5) vs. New England Revolution (1)
TORONTO (October 10, 2015) – The Red Bulls came out strong against the New England Revolution and scored early with Omir Fernandez getting the goal. New York headed into the second half with the 1-0 lead and scored early in the second half. Fernandez scored again off a feed from Zach Ryan. After a New England goal, the Red Bulls scored three consecutive goals to go up 5-1. Fernandez, Jack Valderrabanno and Bratislav Petkovic scored the final three goals.
Scoring Summary:
NY: Omir Fernandez
NY: Omir Fernandez
Toronto FC
NY: Omir Fernandez
NY: Jack Valderrabano
NY: Bratislav Petkovic
Game 3: New York Red Bulls (4) vs. Philadelphia Union (0)
TORONTO (October 12, 2015) – The Red Bulls continued their strong play when they faced the Philadelphia Union in the final match of the fall qualifiers. After a back and forth first twenty minutes, Omir Fernandez scored his fifth and sixth goals of the weekend. Zach Ryan added two of his own to clinch the win, 4-0.
Scoring Summary:
NY: Omir Fernandez
NY: Omir Fernandez
NY: Zach Ryan
NY: Zach Ryan
