Galaxy U-17s on Roll, Take GA Cup

Fresh off winning the U-16 SoCal division of the US Soccer Development Academy (which runs September to July), the Galaxy development program sent an U-17 team to the Generation Adidas Cup, which the young Galaxians were able to win with a 2-0 victory over FC Dallas. The cup, which ran from July 25-31st in Frisco, TX, was LA's third victory in the tournament.

The Galaxy placed nine members of their U-16 squad on the U-17 team, and were joined by 11 others, several who were on the U-17 World Cup roster. The team was coached by Kenny Arena, Bruce's son. Paul Arriola, Esteban Rodriguez, Mario Rodriguez and Nathan Smith were all on the US U-17 WC team.

The most important thing to take away from these recent victories in youth development play, is that the Galaxy aren't just spending money on expensive foreigners. In fact, this is where a lot of money will go from things like the partnership with Farmer's Insurance (Chris Klein, head of youth development for the LA Galaxy, was at the press conference announcing the partnership). Being a "superclub" doesn't just mean buying expensive talent. The New York Cosmos did that and all it got them was a documentary.

True great clubs have excellent academies, and first pick of the best up and coming youth players. This is where the David Beckham's and Wayne Rooney's come from. It's an encouraging sign to see the Galaxy doing so well, for the Galaxy to have a brilliant sixteen year old in Jack McBean all ready to go, and to have the future of the franchise playing in the same complex the current franchise does. Congrats U-17s, we're excited to see what you can do.