Academy head coaches Danny Dichio and Jim Brennan have just finished their first MLS Generation adidas Cup, welcoming the competition and coming away impressed with the Young Reds’ development, unity, passion, and the pride that they have shown towards Toronto FC.
Danny Dichio - Academy senior team coach
“Today, after fighting back twice against a very talented Philadelphia side, this squad of ours confirmed to me that they are not only a technically gifted outfit, but they have the character and hunger to succeed for each other.”
Jim Brennan - Academy junior team coach
“This tournament has been a fantastic experience for the staff and players. The league’s future looks promising after seeing the up and coming talent on show throughout this week. Today we played a very good side in Philadelphia. There were plenty of goals in this match as both teams left everything they had on the pitch. We had that little bit extra bite and desire to win that gave our boys a great victory today.”
RELATED: Toronto 3 (9) - 3 (8) Philadelphia
“Our players all week, have stuck together, played great football and have fought to the end. For us to come away with four wins and a loss is a massive achievement for our Academy. The hard work that we have been putting in was reflected in the boys’ performance today and all week. To hear University and other MLS coaches come up to you and say we have a great team was so nice to hear. I am proud of each and every one of our players. These young men are committed to this club and play for the badge that is on their chest. It is a great feeling seeing that they have just as much passion as I do for this club. If they keep working the way they are our TFC future looks promising. Well done boys!”
[inline_node:4307]Stuart Neely - Director of Toronto FC Academy and tournament head coach
“I couldn’t speak to them following this match – they have no idea how well they played and how much this means to our club, myself included. They poured their heart and soul into these matches and for me I can never ask for anything more. They have worked so very hard for this and to complete the tournament with the same record as FC Dallas (finalist) and LA Galaxy (Champions), with four wins and a loss is something they can be proud of. Well done gentlemen and yes we will be working on our defending shape – we play Wednesday!”
“Jimmy Brennan and Danny Dichio have bonded with the boys and their experiences as players have guided them through this event. It is a new chapter in their careers and my job is to guide and provide feedback on the coaching – it is not always what they want to hear but to their credit, they got on with the job. This is youth football and it is about preparing them for a number of avenues, one of which is to be future professionals. We have had a lot of challenges in our very short existence as an Academy and I am glad to finish on this note. This is a good day for the club.”
Neely was speechless immediately following the performance of his players in the Philadelphia match, but soon rediscovered his wit.
Toronto FC Academy U17s will fly home Monday August 1 for a quick rest as many of the players face St. Catharines Roma Wolves in Canadian Soccer League action. That match will take place this coming Wednesday in St. Catharines.
