FRISCO, Texas — After the first day of Generation adidas Cup action, the hosts are already making a statement.
After two wins and two shutouts, FC Dallas U-17s sit atop the Group A standings in Champions Division action, with a quarterfinals berth already clinched with a game in hand.
FCD capped a successful opening day of action with a convincing 3-0 victory over Club America from Liga MX, scoring just six minutes in thanks to US youth international and North Texas SC signee David Rodriguez. Dallas beat the New York Red Bulls 1-0 earlier in the day.
“The first goal was really important,” Rodriguez told MLSsoccer.com following the game. “It motivated us to get more and keep going.”
His side did just that, doubling their lead less than ten minutes later thanks to Michael Sosa, who cleaned up a loose ball in the box that was initially saved by America’s goalkeeper.
FC Dallas put their stamp on the match midway through the second half as US youth international Cesar Garcia put away another deflected shot to make it 3-0. The victory ensured one of MLS’s most-successful academy sides would be through to the next round in the top division at the tournament.
“It’s a really important step to already be in the next round and tomorrow we'll fight for first place,” Rodriguez told MLSsoccer.com.
That task won’t be an easy one, though, as FC Dallas will take on West Ham United to take the top Group A spot. Just like Dallas, the English Premier League squad has neither lost nor conceded through two games.
Fortunately, Rodriguez seems up to the challenge.
“Of course we're going to aim to get first place.”
