The latest updates on the latest from the Orlando City Academy and Orlando City B via the Purple Pipeline, presented by adidas:
MLS NEXT U17: Lions take on top talents in GA Cup
This past weekend the Orlando City Academy took part in the Generation adidas Cup, where some of the best academies both domestic and international, traveled to IMG Academy to face off against each other. The U17s faced some tough competition in the three matches they played, taking on CF Monterrey, New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy.
Their first match against Monterrey went to penalties after a scoreless draw through regulation. The Lions scored four of their five penalties, with Pedro Cruz hitting the winning kick from the spot.
Unfortunately, in the final three matches, they were unable to replicate the result, falling 3-0 to the Red Bulls, 2-0 to the Galaxy, and 3-2 to Atlas FC in the Premier Division's knockout bracket. Theo Franca provided the two goals in the final game against the Mexican side.
Now the U17s will head back to league play next weekend on April 20 as they host the New England Revolution. Kickoff is set for 9 a.m. ET at Osceola Heritage Park.
MLS NEXT U15: Young Lions make knockout round in GA Cup
Despite being knocked out in the Championship Bracket, it was a successful weekend for the U15s out in Bradenton, Florida, as they went undefeated in regulation in all four of their matchups in the GA Cup. The first matchup saw the Young Lions taking down Minnesota United 5-0, with Matthew Belgodere scoring one and Zach Olah and Jakob Garcia notching braces each.
Then the team took on Arsenal FC's youth side, playing them to a 1-1 draw in regulation after Tanner Miller scored the second-half equalizer. Orlando would rebound in their next match, winning 3-0 over the New England Revolution, with Jakob Garcia, Zach Olah and Matthew Belgodere getting on the scoresheet.
With their performance, they advanced to the Championship Bracket knockout round of the GA Cup, facing off against CF Valencia in the Round of 16. A 1-1 draw wasn't enough to decide things, after Brady Kendall's goal was cancelled out by Valencia, so the game headed to penalties. Unfortunately, the Young Lions lost 4-3 in shots from the spot, ending their tournament run.
Just like the U17s, the U15s will also head back to league play next weekend as they host the New England Revolution. Their kickoff is scheduled at 11 a.m. at Osceola Heritage Park.
Orlando City B: Orlando City B falls to Inter Miami CF II 2-0 in match at Generation adidas Cup
Orlando City B (1-1-1, 5 points) dropped its first match of the 2024 season to intrastate foe Inter Miami CF II (2-0-1, 7 points) by a 2-0 scoreline at IMG Academy on Tuesday evening. The match marked the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro contest played at Generation adidas Cup.
Miami forward Alejandro Flores de La Paz scored the game-winner midway through the first half after the Lions were unable to clear the ball out of their defensive third. Bryan Destin’s goal extended Miami’s lead in the second half to secure the win.
Three Orlando City B players made their MLS NEXT Pro season debuts. Javier Otero started in goal for his first appearance, while midfielders Shak Mohammed and Diego Pareja came on as second-half substitutes for the Lions.
The Lions will travel to Subaru Park next to take on Philadelphia Union II on Thursday, April 11. That matchup will air on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with kick scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.
