The 2024 Generation adidas Cup once again showcased the bright future of soccer, with MLS academy teams capturing both age group titles for the third time in the last four years. Real Salt Lake (U16) and Orlando City SC (U18) emerged as champions, capping off a week of elite youth competition with dominant performances in their respective finals.
Real Salt Lake Dominates U16 Bracket
In the U16 division, Real Salt Lake proved unstoppable. They clinched the title with an emphatic 4-0 win over the LA Galaxy, displaying the depth and quality of their youth program. Midfielder Rylan Hashimoto stole the show in the final, scoring twice and leading his side to victory. His impressive week in Florida—scoring five goals and consistently creating chances—earned him the MVP presented by adidas award.
Hashimoto wasn’t the only RSL player to collect hardware. Goalkeeper Konstantinos Kyriazis was named Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate. Starting every game, Kyriazis anchored a defense that conceded just one goal throughout the tournament, showcasing his composure and shot-stopping ability.
The U16 Top Scorer honor went to Obama Appiah of PSV Eindhoven. Appiah also netted five goals, narrowly edging Hashimoto via tiebreaker. His clinical finishing helped PSV reach the semifinals, making him one of the standout international players in the competition.
Orlando City Claims U18 Title in Dramatic Fashion
Orlando City SC made their mark in the U18 bracket with a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory over the Colorado Rapids. Leading the charge was Gustavo Caraballo, who scored both goals in the final. The attacking midfielder, who signed a homegrown contract in March, also notched a brace in the semifinal win over Santos Laguna. With five goals in total, Caraballo was named the U18 MVP presented by adidas.
Joining Caraballo among the award winners was teammate Justin Ellis. Playing up with the U18s, the Orlando City B forward led all scorers across both age groups with six goals. His performance earned him the Top Scorer award and reinforced his growing reputation as one of the most promising young strikers in MLS academies.
Despite the final defeat, Colorado Rapids’ Kendall Starks stood out between the posts. The goalkeeper was named Best Goalkeeper presented by Allstate after a stellar tournament run. Starks recorded clean sheets in his first five matches and played a crucial role in Colorado’s semifinal shootout victory over Atlanta United, making two key saves.
MLS Academies Continue to Impress
The strong showings by MLS academies at this year’s Generation adidas Cup reinforce the league’s commitment to developing top-tier talent. Real Salt Lake and Orlando City’s triumphs were not only a reflection of team success but also a spotlight on individual brilliance.
As the dust settles on another competitive and entertaining edition of the tournament, players like Hashimoto, Caraballo, and Ellis have firmly established themselves as ones to watch. With their performances, they’ve not only lifted trophies but also taken significant steps toward future professional careers.
