Portland Timbers Academy captures Generation adidas Cup U-15 championship

The Portland Timbers made history at the 2022 Generation adidas Cup on Sunday evening, beating Valencia 2-0 in the Under-15 division title game in Frisco, Texas.

It is the first time a Major League Soccer academy has won the age group at the annual youth tournament.

After defeating tournament favorite LAFC on Friday in a 4-3 shootout, the Timbers brought the game to the Spanish side in the second half, taking the lead in the 49th minute when Max Eisenberg’s pressure inside the opposing box paid off after stealing the ball away from the Valencia goalkeeper.

A goal to put our U15s up in the GA Cup finals. ???‍? #RCTID @MLSNEXT pic.twitter.com/iJEAerd6El

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) April 17, 2022

Augie Hoelscher put the game away in the 74th minute with a well-taken strike inside the box, setting off celebrations at Toyota Stadium deep into second-half stoppage time.

The Timbers had finished second in Group G play after winning one game and tying two in a group that included Atlanta United, Philadelphia Union and Portuguese side Porto.

ANOTHER ONE!! 2-0 Timbers ?? #RCTID @MLSNEXT pic.twitter.com/apsJL8zaEI

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) April 17, 2022

On their way to the title, Portland got past England’s Manchester United, the New York Red Bulls and LAFC, before the final against Valencia in the playoffs.

The title is the Timbers’ first at GA Cup.