Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union Academy forward Malik Jakupovic has been recognized on the Generation adidas Cup Rising XI, ahead of the tournament set to commence this weekend. Running from April 12-20, the event will be held at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, featuring MLS Academies and Elite Academies competing against international clubs.

Notably, the Generation adidas Cup has previously highlighted emerging MLS academy talents, with players like Cavan Sullivan from Philadelphia Union and Stuart Hawkins from Seattle Sounders FC gaining attention.

The Philadelphia Union Academy has secured the prestigious title four times, becoming the first MLS team to consecutively win the U-17 GA Cup Championship. This year, they will compete in both the U-18 and U-16 categories. The tournament includes 80 teams from 14 countries, with notable participation from clubs like FC Bayern, Inter Milan, and Palmeiras.

The Union Academy aims for a strong performance under Head Coach Peter McDonnell, facing teams such as Nashville SC, St. Louis CITY SC, and Club Necaxa in the group stages. Their U-16 team, led by Pedro Cavalcanti, will encounter Club America, Real Salt Lake, and Tampa Bay United.

The Rising XI features players like Austin FC's goalkeeper Thomas Burchfield and forwards Jamil Danjaji of Columbus Crew alongside Philadelphia Union's Malik Jakupovic.

"The 2025 Generation adidas Cup Rising XI includes GK Thomas Burchfield (Austin FC); D August Nystrom (Portland Timbers), D Jeremiah Alexander-Munoz (Charlotte FC), D Clovis Archange (Orlando City SC); M Robert Turdean (Chicago Fire FC), M Nathan Tchoumba (Colorado Rapids), M Matthew Arana (Houston Dynamo FC), M Kaedren Spivey (San Jose Earthquakes); F Jamil Danjaji (Columbus Crew), F Malik Jakupovic (Philadelphia Union), F Tyler Brown (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)."