The NYC FC U-16s did not allow a goal in their five games. (Photo courtesy of NYC FC)
The New York City FC Under-16 team captured the Generation adidas Cup Premier Division crown over the weekend.
Giovanni Reyna, the son of City sporting director Claudio Reyna, scored the only goal via a penalty kick to lift City to a 1-0 win over Tigres in Frisco, Texas Saturday night.
NYC FC won without conceding a goal in the five matches they played over 10 days.
City also swept individual honors, with goalkeeper Johan Penaranda earning the Golden Glove award and 14-year-old Reyna securing the Golden Ball.
“It was a really special day – besides winning, just as rewarding is to hear compliments from the footballing community on how we played, the composure we showed on the field during all the games and the observations that we play with a similar style to our first-team,” Claudio Reyna said.
“It’s something that the whole club can be proud of and everyone has played their part, from Patrick and his coaching staff all the way down to the academy staff.”
The side, which had three 14-year-olds in its XI, dominated a goalless first half.
Reyna and Joe Scally met crosses into the box and headed narrowly wide, while Will Sands was denied by a sprawling save from the onrushing goalkeeper when he broke the lines.
The Mexican side came out strong in the second half and exerted pressure on the City backline but Penaranda was at the top of his game as he made two crucial saves.
With the game heading for extratime, Reyna almost won it in the last minute, embarking on a mazy run and forcing a great save from the keeper.
Reyna would only have to wait for one minute into the first extratime period to strike. After he was fouled inside the box, he converted the ensuing spot kick.
City had booked it place in the final thanks to a 2-0 semifinal victory over San Jose Earthquakes.
Coach Matt Pilkington’s side kicked off the competition with a penalty shootout win over Seattle Sounders following a goalless draw, before it bested Deportivo Saprissa, 2-0, and rounded off group play with a 1-0 triumph over Pumas.
