U-16 team loses two, draws one in Generation adidas Cup qualifiers

The U-16 team completed a difficult first round of Generation adidas Cup qualifiers with a 4-0 loss to New York Red Bulls on Monday afternoon.

New York Red Bulls scored twice in each half to pick up their second win of the opening round (they lost in the opening match to host Toronto FC).

The Union return from Toronto with two points out of three games after a scoreless draw and penalty kick win over Orlando City and a 2-1 loss to Toronto FC. An additional point is awarded in tournament play to a team that wins a penalty shootout.

Issa Rayyan scored the only goal in the three games and goalkeeper Carlos dos Santos made a key save in the penalty kick victory over Orlando City.

The second round of qualifying will be staged February 12-15 in Florida. The top two teams in qualifying in each region compete in the Championship Division title and the remaining teams play for the consolation Premier Division title. Both tournaments will be held in Frisco, Texas March 18-26.

The Union qualified for the Championship Division title last season, where they finished with a 2-3 record and failed to advance out of group play. They will have a lot of ground to make up to repeat that feat. They currently are four points back in the standings behind four teams on six points - Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City and DC United. New England Revolution is in last with one point.