Celtic U17s proud run in the MLS Generation Adidas Cup comes to an end

By David Walton

April 14, 2022

Celtic under-17s’ fine unbeaten run in the MLS Generation Adidas Cup has come to an end after a 3-2 loss to Columbus Crew last night.

The young Hoops had put in a superb performance in the group stage, coming up against 3 different MLS academies and beating them. Celtic had overcome Atlanta United, New England Revolution, and Cincinnati FC to reach the last-16 stage.

However, despite playing their part in a 5-goal cracker, they were put out by Columbus Crew in dramatic fashion. This means that the club’s participation in the competition is now over:

Celtic were 2-0 ahead within the first 15 minutes thanks to a brace from exciting talent Kyle Ure. However, Columbus had levelled the game before half-time and then went on to net a late winner.

Once again, the young Hoops had to deal with the soaring Texas heat which clearly had an effect on proceedings. A strong first-half display was again followed by a tired second as the conditions evidently played their part.

Celtic had also been represented by the under-15s in the tournament. The young Hoops managed a point against Seattle Sounders, but unfortunately came up short in games against Austin and Sporting Kansas City as they were knocked out at the group stage.

Celtic under-17s make their mark in what was an invaluable experience

It must be said that the under-17s deserve a huge round of applause for how they performed in the group stage. Swatting aside 3 MLS academies on their own turf is tremendous going.

It’s a shame that their participation in the competition ends so anti-climactically. The young Hoops had Columbus Crew where they wanted them, but just couldn’t see it over the line in the end.

In the past, we’ve seen the Celtic first-team go to the USA for pre-season camps and struggle with the conditions. So the loss is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of for the Lennoxtown starlets.

The competition has provided them with some invaluable experience of playing against different styles. It also gave them the opportunity to showcase their talents with plenty of eyes on the tournament around the world.

And they can certainly take plenty from topping their group stage with 8 points. In the end, it appears as though the tank simply ran out.

MLS continue to stream select tournament matches on their official YouTube and Twitch channels. Celtic’s involvement as a whole, however, is now over.

In other news, “It still hurts”; Hearts dressing room still haunted by their Celtic misery