Atlanta United defeats Philadelphia Union 4-1 in Generation adidas Cup qualifying

Atlanta United is participating in East Region qualifying for the Generation adidas Cup this weekend at the Philadelphia Union’s training facility in Chester, Pennsylvania. Their campaign started today with an emphatic 4-1 victory over the hosts.

This tournament is for U17 squads and featured Atlanta United’s U16 U.S. Soccer Development Academy squad, bolstered by recent Homegrown Player signing Chris Goslin and returning youth internationals Zyen Jones (U.S.), Charlie Asensio (U.S.), Kendall Edwards (Jamaica), and Blake White (Jamaica)

Matt Ralph

The start was not ideal for United, as they conceded an early goal on a free kick by Philadelphia’s Seth Kuhn. Zyen Jones created the equalizer as he earned a penalty kick after being tripped in the box. Center back Will Crain converted the penalty and leveled the score in the 28th minute.

Just a few minutes later, United took the lead. Right winger Saul Tinoco continued his strong play this season with a goal from just inside the penalty area. That was enough to give Atlanta the lead going into halftime.

Matt Ralph

Jones had another chance, but was denied by Union goalkeeper Tomas Romero. Tinoco extended the lead in the second half, knocking home a loose ball in the box. Philadelphia’s Guei Marco Bla nearly cut the lead in half, but his shot sailed just wide. Forward Jackson Conway put an exclamation point on the victory with a goal from just inside his half, catching Romero off his line, to make the final score 4-1.

Tomorrow, Atlanta will face D.C. United at 2:00 p.m. in their second match of the East Regional. They will conclude this portion of qualifying on Monday with a 2:00 p.m. match against the New York Red Bulls.

A big thank you goes out to our friends at Brotherly Game for their tweets during the match today and the great pictures they shared with us.