See some of the top Players to Watch in the 2024 Generation adidas Cup

(Pictured Above: Colorado Rapids and USYNT goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo)

The 16th edition of the Generation adidas Cup will take place March 30 – April 7 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

The GA Cup finals will feature 80 total U15 and U17 teams from a record-breaking 15 different countries competing in a tournament style format. Teams from every MLS NEXT program tied to MLS clubs will be matching up with top pro academies from around the world.

To view the schedule, click here. To view the games that will be available streaming Apple TV click here.

Ahead of the weekend’s action, here are some players to know ahead this year’s event. Players are listed according to their graduation year.

You can nominate also nominate a player who has stood out this season that will be attending the event through the following link. Players attending the Showcase portion of the event can also be nominated.

2027

Aidan Betances | Goalkeeper
New York Red Bulls Academy U15 (NJ)

Blanked Players Development Academy 5-0 last week to give the Red Bulls their seventh consecutive victory in FLEX play and their eleventh shutout on the season. Inside of the Red Bulls defensive third, Betances runs a highly organized backline that has allowed .75 goals per match this season. He can also whip out strong throws to the outside, kickstarting possession from the back.

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Riley Kanaly | Winger
Strikers FC U15 (CA)

Earned his first hat trick of the season on Sunday, helping Strikers defeat Chula Vista FC 6-1. Through his cutting runs at both the left and right winger positions, Kanaly has led a high-scoring Strikers attack that have scored 2.62 goals per match this season. He has already proven that he can create goal-scoring opportunities in big moments, scoring a brace last year in Strikers’ 3-2 win against Manchester City.

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Max Steelman | Defender-Forward
Los Angeles Galaxy Academy U15 (CA)

A jack of all trades, Steelman excels on both the offensive and defensive sides for the Galaxy. In their 2-1 win in the California Classico against San Jose Earthquakes, he was highly effective at stemming opponent’s advances on the counter-attack while using his speed break through their backlines. For his spectacular club play, Steelman earned a call-up to the USYNT U-15 team last fall where he scored a clinical goal in their win over Italy.

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Gabriel Florentino | Defender
Inter Miami CF Academy U15 (FL)

Facing a high level of pressure late, Florentino anchored the Miami defense to a critical 2-1 win over rivals Orlando City SC Academy earlier in the month. Playing primarily out of the left back position, Florentino can help build possession out of the back and give Miami space to create long, sustained possessions. He was recently called up to the USYNT U-15 camp last fall and is looking to his time in the Generation Adidas Cup to cement his spot in the national team rotation.

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James Donaldson | Goalkeeper
Atlanta United FC Academy U15 (GA)

Shut out the potent Philadelphia Union attack this past weekend, including multiple saves down the stretch to lift Atlanta to the 1-0 victory. Possessing superior glove work, Donaldson can time his dives to give him the best chance at parrying shots over the bar or wide of the posts. His footwork is also on point, allowing him to stop attackers from causing any damage in one-on-one situations.

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Cavan Sullivan | Midfielder
Philadelphia Union Academy U15 (PA)

Made his debut for Philadelphia Union II in MLS NEXT PRO action this weekend, bagging the game-winning assist in their win over the New England Revolution. The USYNT U-15 member and Golden Ball winner at last year’s CONCACAF U-15 Championship is constantly working to try and find gaps in defenses. When he does, he can hammer shots with a variety of speeds or link up with surging teammates to cut through defenses. He is heavily rumored to be signing with Manchester City imminently.

The touch of an assist, the finesse finish ?

Sullivan connects with Olivas to put us ahead 2-1 late!#DOOP | @MLSNEXTPRO pic.twitter.com/1Ya3FUNFqU

— Philadelphia Union II (@PhilaUnionII) March 24, 2024

2026

Matthew Maciulis | Midfielder
Chicago Fire Academy U17 (IL)

Buried a brace in the Fire’s 3-1 victory against Lou Fusz Athletic last weekend, lifting Chicago to an 8-4-2 record. Working down Chicago’s left flank, Maciulis can break past defenders with his lightning quick speed and creating goal-scoring opportunities from the corner of the field. He can also play as a center-midfielder, using his strong left foot to hammer shots from distance or deliver pacey passes to his teammates.

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Evan Carlock | Winger-Forward
St. Louis City SC Academy U17 (MO)

Operating out of the winger position, Carlock can create dynamic goal-scoring opportunities for City with relative ease. He has netted brace in each of St. Louis’ last two league matches, lifting the team to victories over St. Louis Scott Gallagher (3-0) and Indy Eleven Premier (3-1). Carlock can also play in the number nine role and is highly effective at supplying his teammates with crisp passes in open space.

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Pedro Guimares | Defender
LAFC Academy U17 (CA)

Anchors a LAFC defense that has earned eight shutouts this season across all MLS NEXT competitions, Guimares is one of the top center-backs in his age group. Whether facing multiple attackers or in open space, he can make the tough decisions and give his team the best chance to succeed. He is also more than willing to take on attackers in one-on-one situations and can time his tackles perfectly to ensure they are clean but also get the job done.

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Xzavier Colon | Defender
Orlando City SC Academy U17 (FL)

Provides lockdown defensive work for an Orlando defense that earned four shutouts in their first five MLS NEXT FLEX matches this season, going undefeated during that same stretch (5-0-0, 15 points). When under pressure, Colon thrives making the key clearances and timely tackles necessary to preserve results. Colon has received multiple call-ups Puerto Rican Youth National Team and was selected for last year’s CONCACAF U-17 Championships.

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Sheridan McNish | Defender
New England Revolution U17 (MA)

Slotting in at center-back for the Revs, McNish has been highly effective all season at making the big plays late in games to help preserve results. Last week, alongside center-back partner Simon Henao he held the potent Nashville SC attack scoreless (1-0). In addition to his work with the Revolution, he is also the captain of Trinidad and Tobago’s U-15 National Team.

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Rohan Rajagopal | Midfielder
San Jose Earthquakes U17 (CA)

Pulls the strings of the Quakes midfield, using his strong field vision to speed up play or slow it down depending upon what is needed in the match. On the attacking, he recently scored a belter against LA Breakers, helping secure the 3-1 win. Working with Tomo Allen and Chance Cowell he is part of a strong three-headed attack that can score at will.

2025

Stefan Chirila | Forward
FC Cincinnati Academy U17 (OH)

Earned a hat trick for Cincinnati in this month’s 4-3 win over St. Louis City SC, including the equalizer in the 85th minute. Chirila works seamlessly with Jason Vozar, who scored the game-winner up top, creating a formidable 1-2 combination for Cincy. Chirila has also featured for Cincinatti FC II in MLS NEXT PRO competition this season.