This past weekend, Orlando City SC’s Academy didn’t just win the 2025 Generation adidas Cup. They announced themselves as one of the elite academies across the United States and world.
With an already incredibly successful MLS NEXT regular season ongoing, the Lions U18 team came in as one of the teams to beat for this year's tournament out in Bradenton. Facing some of the top youth teams both nationally and internationally, the Young Lions dominated the competition to win their first-ever Generation adidas Cup.
"It’s truly historic," Orlando City Academy Director Javier Carrillo told OrlandoCitySC.com. "This win reflects the work we have put into building the Academy over the past six years. We have established a clear methodology and a well-defined development pathway for our players. It was incredibly rewarding to showcase that process and the talent we have developed on a global stage."
In a short span, the U18 team played seven matches, three in the group stage and four in the championship bracket. After taking down Italian Serie A juggernaut Inter Milan in penalties and beating the Columbus Crew and LAFC, the Lions finished atop their group heading into the knockout round.
"It's challenging," Lions midfielder Colin Guske said. "Seven games in ten days, it beats down your body. At the end of day, you want to win a trophy, so you put everything you can to go and get that."
After back-to-back 1-0 wins over St. Louis City SC and Real Salt Lake, the Lions cruised to a 3-0 win over Mexican side Santos Laguna to make it into the final match against the Colorado Rapids.
In one of their toughest matches of the tournament, it took extra time and a golazo from Gustavo Caraballo, who also scored the first goal of the match, to get the win and seal the championship for the Lions.
"Our goal is to become the best Academy in the nation," Carrillo said. "Achieving this milestone brings us one step closer and solidifies our position among the top programs in the country. This kind of recognition accelerates our growth, attracts top talent, and reaffirms that we are on the right path."
On top of the trophy, the Lions also garnered a few individual awards. Caraballo, who has already signed a first-team deal at just 16 years of age, was named MVP for his performance throughout the tournament.
"Another trophy to my collection," he said. "Though, I wouldn't have been able to do it without my teammates, so I'm just really thankful for them. They helped me a lot throughout the whole tournament and the whole season, and that one goes to them."
After netting six goals in the tourney, forward Justin Ellis, who signed with Orlando City B earlier this year, was given the Golden Boot.
"I couldn't have done it with all my teammates," he said. "They put me in the perfect position to score every single time. At the end of the day, I'm a number nine, so I need to score goals."
Having players like Guske, Caraballo and Ellis; players that have professional experience under their belt, was a massive boon for this U18 team. For Carrillo, who coached the team through the tournament, the experience they brought to the team during the tournament was invaluable.
"Having players who have already been promoted to the first and second teams was hugely impactful," he said. "Their confidence, game understanding, and character set the tone for the group. They were not just there to compete, they were driven to win. As a club, we were intentional about building the strongest team possible, and we are proud that the group rose to the occasion and brought home the trophy."
That trend of developing players has been constant over the past six years. Since the hiring of Head Coach Oscar Pareja in December of 2019, the Academy has produced 10 homegrown players that have made the jump from academy to the first team. Known for his development of the academy back when he was coach of FC Dallas, Pareja, along with Luiz Muzzi and Ricardo Moreira, have transformed the entire academy landscape for Orlando and set the purple pipeline up for success for years to come.
"It's fantastic," Pareja said of the U18's success. "We are so proud of having and putting the Club in this stage where we are not just competing in the finals, but they show us that, hey, we're winning these finals. I'm telling them that they are being a good example. They're getting into these stages, and they're winning it. Our Academy is now a reference in the country. It's not just a word, it's results that they are showing."
