GA Cup Recap: Sporting KC's U-16s and U-15s battled at 2026 GA Cup in Bradenton, FL

Sporting Kansas City's U-16s and U-15s returned from the 2026 Generation adidas Cup in Bradenton, FL after grinding out six games each from March 27-April 4. After playing three grueling group stage games against top MLS Academies and International clubs, both the U-16s and U-15s qualified for the Premier Bracket thanks to some late game heroics.

The U-16s, led by head coach Angel Rivillo suffered an opening game defeat to Philadelphia Union after they scored the only goal of the contest late in the 60-minute match. The group rebounded immediately, knocking off LIGA MX powerhouse Monterrey CF 1-0 off a last-minute, free kick goal from Abraham Gutierrez. In the third and final group stage game, Zamir Loyo Reynaga put SKC in front late in the second half against Atlanta United off a beautiful centering pass from Tose Adewumi. Atlanta would score 10 minutes into stoppage time to even the scoreline, however Sporting rescued a second point in a nine round shootout.

After just missing out on the Championship Bracket, the U-16s fell to D.C. United in the Premier Bracket Round of 16. An ever resilient group, the team rattled off a 2-0 win over Club America and a 5-4 win in kicks from the spot against New England Revolution to end the tournament on a high note. 

• SKC U-16 Results

Sporting's U-15s, coached by Jake Smith fought hard against Philadelphia Union and Ligue 1's Toulouse FC, but suffered back-to-back 2-0 defeats in which both goals were scored with less and 10 minutes to go. The 15s then dominated Inter Miami 2-0 in the final group game to punch their ticket to the Premier Bracket.

In the knockouts, SKC drew FC Barcelona and was bested 2-0 in the Round of 16. After a defeat to Intercontinental Football Academy the squad picked up a 5-4, shootout victory over New England Revolution after a 1-1 end in regulation.

• SKC U-15 Results

With GA Cup in the rearview mirror, the attention for the Sporting KC Academy now shifts to games against Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati before MLS NEXT FLEX in Frisco, Texas later this month. The U-18s, U-16s and U-15s will look to earn playoff qualification in the final two months of the 2025-26 MLS NEXT season, either by finishing at the top of the standings, or by winning their groups at MLS NEXT FLEX. Sporting fans can follow along with everything happening in the Academy by following @SKCAcademy on X and Instagram.