Seattle Sounders U16s defeated FC Basel U16s today in the Youdan Trophy final. Final scores/standings - click here. The Sounders U16 team went undefeated, outscoring opponents 14-5 over the course of 5 games (3 group games + 2 playoff games). They defeated U16 teams from Newcastle United, FAB Academy, Wolverhampton & FC Basel as mentioned above (while drawing one game against Charlton Athletic). I may be mistaken, but this could be one of the best cup/tourney results for an MLS academy team in recent memory. Hoping this trend will continue across MLS academies as these players further develop.
Somebody asked the significance of this result compared to other US academies. I said others had won tournaments and to specifically look I to FC Dallas. I couldn't quickly find any info though, know of a link I could read up on their accomplishments outside of USSDA play? Saw they were playing in a tournament down in Mexico atm.
Not ignoring FC Dallas' accomplishments, as I'm referring particularly to the international cup level against quality international based academy teams, whereas the FCD academy results have come mainly against competition at the domestic level in USSDA cups. If I'm missing prior international results by MLS academies, would love to know, as I'm sure most fans - no matter their MLS affiliation - would agree. It helps also to understand possible US youth potentials and players to track.