2018 Generation Adidas Cup Fire Roundup [UPDATED]

While the Fire were off from MLS Competition this past weekend, the kids played in the Generation Adidas Cup. The tournament, a major event for youth players, is being held at FC Dallas’ facilities in Frisco, TX until March 31st.

Via MLS:

“Teams are divided into three regions and participate in two qualifying events per region. 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. The tournament is set up into four groups of four where the winners of each group advance to the semifinals and then finals.”

The Chicago Fire booked a spot for this tournament through a set of qualifiers in February, landing them in the Premier Cup, a step under the top level Champions division.

Notable competitors in the Premier Division are Liga MX powerhouses Monterrey and Tigres, as well as Matsumoto Yamaga Football Club from Japan.

The Fire were put in to Group 3 with Tigres, the San Jose Earthquakes, and the New York Red Bulls. You can see results for the other three groups here.

The first two games took place this weekend and it was not a good showing for the Kids In Red. Chicago posted a 1-0 defeat in the first game to San Jose and then following that up with a disastrous 4-0 loss to Tigres. With one game left to be played, the Fire have already been eliminated from the tournament.

I know these tournaments are for development, but it was a bit disappointing to see such poor performance by the Fire academy players. After all, these young people represent the club’s future. You want some bragging rights, especially in such a big youth tournament like the GA Cup.

Still, the Fire youth did qualify for the secondary Premier Division. While not the best showing, it’s still worthy of some credit given how many MLS clubs failed to qualify in the first place. must be commended as many MLS Clubs failed to qualify.

UPDATE:

The Fire have lost their third game 3-1 against the Red Bulls, completing a disappointing showing in the GA Cup.

For NYRB, victory tonight wins them top spot in the group and a place in the semifinals.

The Fire only scored 1 goal while conceding 8.