The Pre-Development Academy traveled to Frisco, Texas, to play in the Generation adidas Cup’s U12 division against 19 other MLS sides. The squad slotted into Group D along with the New York Red Bulls, Houston Dynamo, Atlanta United and the Seattle Sounders.

The Pre-DA played its first match on Thursday, March 29 against the Red Bulls. The Loons couldn’t even the score after the Red Bulls struck first, falling short 1-0. The team turned it around for their second match, though, topping Atlanta 2-0.

The squad suited up and took the field again on Friday to take on Seattle. The Loons fought hard, but let the Sounders walk away with a 1-0 victory. Their second match of the day had a different ending. In its afternoon match, Minnesota faced Houston. Finally connecting with the back of the net, the Loons held on and won the match, 1-0.

On Saturday, group play was over and the playoffs began, with Minnesota was set to line up against Philadelphia and Orlando. Facing Philadelphia in the first round, the Loons lost 3-1. In the second round, the fellas took on Orlando and came to play. The Pre-DA closed the tournament with a 2-1 victory over the Lions.

“The event was a great experience for the players both on and off the field,” said Pre-DA U12 Technical Leader Andy Seidel. “We all learned some things about the players as they got a chance to compete against other MLS teams throughout the country. The players also had the opportunity to watch some high level international youth games that gave them some insight in to what else is out there.”

Pre-Development U12 Academy Roster