:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54225491/usa-today-9313661.0.jpg)
It is a World Cup year for the U-17 age group, so perhaps that makes it a good time to take a peek at some of the more promising players from that cohort at the New York Red Bulls Academy. The most likely RBNY representation at the U-17 World Cup in October is Chris Gloster, who is with the US U-17 Men's National Team for the moment, along with most of the group expected to be named to the roster for the CONCACAF U-17 Championship later this month.
But the RBNY U-17 squad at the 2017 Generation Adidas Cup surely contains a few players who might feature for the Red Bulls' pro teams in a few years. And at least one already has: Ben Mines has made a few NYRB II appearances in USL already, as part of the club's continuing commitment to giving its more promising Academy players a taste of pro soccer while they are still considering their career options.
GA Cup is at the semifinal stage, and RBNY is the only MLS team left in the top tier of the tournament. In the group stage, the Red Bulls lost to Estudiantes de la Plata, but posted big wins over Toronto FC (4-1) and Tijuana (5-0) to clinch a semifinal berth (with a little help from TFC). Flamengo is unbeaten in the tournament to date, opening up with a penalty shoot-out win over Eintracht Frankfurt, followed by more conventional victories over LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City.
The teams will play two 35-minute halves, followed by a penalty shoot-out, if required. Each team is allowed to make five substitutions during the game, but only three are allowed in the second half. The winner will move on to the final, where it will meet either Independiente del Valle or defending GA Cup champion River Plate.