The Whitecaps FC MLS Academy kicks off the 2024 Generation adidas Cup this weekend. A total of 80 teams, 40 in each age group (U17 and U15), will compete at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from March 30 – April 7.
In total, 49 different clubs will be participating from a record 15 different countries.
Schedule
Saturday, March 30
(U-15s) Whitecaps FC vs. Chicago Fire - 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET
(U-17s) Whitecaps FC vs. FC Cincinnati - 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, March 31
(U-15s) Whitecaps FC vs. Brøndby IF - 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET
(U-17s) Whitecaps FC vs. Atlas FC - 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET
Monday, April 1
(U-15s) Whitecaps FC vs. NYCFC - 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET
(U-17s) Whitecaps FC vs. Philadelphia Union - 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET
Format
- 40 teams, organized into 10 groups of four, will compete in each of the two age groups.
- 16 teams will advance to the single-elimination championship bracket, comprising the 10 group winners and the top-six second-place finishers.
- The next-best 16 teams will enter a consolation bracket, with the final eight teams competing in consolation groups to provide more competitive matches.
- All teams competing in the 2024 Generation adidas Cup are guaranteed to play seven 60-minute matches, comprised of two 30-minute halves.
- The championship matches in both age groups will be extended to 70-minute matches.
- All contests that are tied at the end of regulation will go directly to a penalty-kick shootout.
U-15s
The U-15s come into the tournament on fire, with a 10-match unbeaten run (nine wins, one draw).
They are in Group G will face Chicago Fire, Danish side Brøndby IF, and New York City FC.
U-17s
The U-17s also come in on a high after recently qualifying for the MLS NEXT Flex tournament.
They will be in Group A alongside FC Cincinnati, Mexican side Atlas FC, and Philadelphia Union.
