The Generation adidas Cup is back for 2023 – and better than ever. This year, a record 49 different clubs from 12 countries will compete in U-15 and U-17 play at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from April 1-9.
Who’s competing in it?
In addition to all 29 MLS clubs, 19 international clubs will make the trip to the Sunshine State. This includes prestigious academies from all over the world such as Boca Juniors, River Plate, Club America, Flamengo, Palmeiras, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Valencia and Real Madrid, among others.
Atlanta United will have teams competing in both age groups. The U-15s, led by coach Zach Herold, have been placed in a group with Liga MX’s Monterrey, Portland Timbers and DC United. The U-17s, managed by Steve Covino, will face the likes of NYCFC, Austin FC and Liga MX’s Pumas UNAM in the group stage.
The full schedules for both teams can be found below:
Age Group | Opponent | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
U-15 | Monterrey | Saturday, April 1 | 10:00 AM | IMG Academy, Field 2 |
U-15 | Portland Timbers | Sunday, April 2 | 10:00 AM | IMG Academy, Field 7 |
U-15 | DC United | Monday, April 3 | 10:00 AM | IMG Academy, Field 7 |
U-17 | NYCFC | Saturday, April 1 | 2:00 PM | IMG Academy, Field 4 |
U-17 | Austin FC | Sunday, April 2 | 2:00 PM | IMG Academy, Field 12 |
U-17 | Pumas UNAM | Monday, April 3 | 2:00 PM | IMG Academy, Field 11 |
How does the tournament work?
Group Stage:
- 40 teams, divided into 10 groups of four, will compete in each of the two age divisions.
- MLS club seeding was determined by Generation adidas Cup Qualifiers at MLS NEXT Fest in December 2022.
- Each team will play three group matches to determine qualification for the knockout round.
- Games are 60 minutes in length, comprised of two 30-minute halves.
- If a match ends in a draw, a penalty kick shootout will be held to determine a winner.
- Three (3) points for a win
- Two (2) points for a draw and win in PK's
- One (1) point for a draw and loss in PK's
Knockout Stage:
- 16 teams from each age division will qualify to play in a bracket-style elimination format.
- Ten (10) group winners and top six (6) second place finishers qualify for the Knockout Rounds
- Any team that does not advance to the knockout rounds or is eliminated from the knockout bracket will play up to four (4) additional Showcase matches.
How can I watch?
Thanks to the new MLS deal with Apple TV, 28 matches from the Generation adidas Cup will be available to stream via MLS Season Pass, including both championship games.
You can find the full schedule of group stage matches being steamed live here.
Unfortunately, no Atlanta United matches were among those chosen to be streamed during the group stage, but more chances to watch the 5-Stripes will become available as our teams advance to the knockout rounds.
