The 10 Best Generation Adidas Graduates
Since its inception in 1997, Generation Adidas (known at the time as Project 40,) has been a pipeline for young soccer talent looking to find its way to the professional level. The original purpose for this academy was to find the seven or eight best young players in CONCACAF, and breed them to become superstars at the professional level. A way for future stars to skip the collegiate level for a more professional atmosphere, Generation Adidas has not only provided stars in MLS, but has helped players take the next big step into Europe. Here are the best of the best: 10. Kei Kamara (Class of 2006; Colorado Rapids) The diamond from Sierra Leone has become a legend in Major League Soccer since his graduation from the academy 14 years ago. Now fifth on the all time MLS scoring record, Kamara's ability to dominate in the air had been well documented even in his academy days. Even with his best days behind him, Kamara has still shown that he can produce, scoring the opening goal for the Colorado Rapids in a 2-1 win over Orlando City to start the 202 campaign. 9. Cyle Larin (Class of 2015; Zulte Waregem) The youngest player to be featured on this list, Canadian international Cyle Larin has proved that the academy can also be a pipeline to a successful career abroad. Larin was an instant success at Orlando City, bagging 17 goals in 27 appearances for the expansion sides's first ever season in the top flight. After netting 33 goals in MLS, Larin was transferred to Turkish powerhouse Besiktas for $2.3 Million. Though he struggled to star in the XI for Besiktas, he did join Demba Ba as the only players in club history to score a hat trick in a European competition. Larin has since regained his form for Belgian top flight club Waregem, assisting 10 goals and getting 7 past the keeper in 29 league matches this season. Although Larin's career has been a rollercoaster, the 25 year old has proven that he is still a rising talent in the European ranks. 8. Darlington Nagbe (Class of 2011; Columbus Crew) The Liberia native turned USMNT starlet found his way into the academy after an impressive 2 year career at Akron. Nagbe set MLS alight after being drafted by Portland in 2011, and after 214 appearances in seven seasons, he solidified himself as a club legend. And even when it seemed like his career was on the decline, he reinvented himself as an elite number eight for both Atlanta United and his current club the Columbus Crew. Indications seem like a fruitful career in midfield may be next for the once promising winger. 7. Jozy Altidore (Class of 2006; Toronto FC) Say what you want about his tumultuous national team career, Altidore is one of the best American exports in US soccer history. Before he was traversing Europe, Altidore was banging in goals for fun at Giants stadium for the newly rebranded New York Red Bulls. Although his career in England was a disappointment to say the least (2 goals in 70 appearances for Hull City and Sunderland,) he did manage some European success at AZ Alkmaar. Before eventually being benched by Aron Johansson (I don't know how either,) Altidore was clinical in front of goal, a 39 goal tally in 67 appearances does make for pretty viewing. Now finding his permanent home in Toronto, The MLS cup champion seems to have found a way to end his career on a high note. 6. Michael Bradley (Class of 2004; Toronto FC) Michael Bradley was a regular starter for Borussia Monchengladbach, Chievo Verona, and Roma in his career. The USMNT faithful are very quick to forget about this, me included. 5. Brad Guzan (Class of 2005; Atlanta United) Potentially one of the most underrated and under-appreciated players in USMNT history, Brad Guzan was a fantastic, premier league quality keeper in his prime who could match Tim Krul for the best penalty stopper in the world. Forever living in the shadows as the backup keeper for the national team (GK1 to be talked about later,) Guzan enjoyed a fruitful prime in the premier league. A key member of what Aston Villa fans call "their last golden era," Guzan stared between the sticks for eight premier league seasons, along with two Europa League runs with the club. After a failed campaign with Middlesborough in 2016, Guzan went back to MLS, where he was able to recapture his form as one of the best shot stoppers in the country. 4. Carlos Bocanegra (Class of 2000; Retired) The captain of the national team for three World Cups started his career as an elite talent in the Project 40 camp. After impressing scouts in a short stint with the Red Bulls, Bocanegra tested his young career in England. The most prominent moments in his club career came at Fulham, where he was part of the American revolution in a squad which at one time featured Bocanegra, Brian McBride, Kasey Keller, and Clint Dempsey all in the same XI. But his tour of Europe didn't stop in West London. Following his stint with the Cottagers, Bocanegra spent four years in France with Rennes and St. Etienne. Of course, he is best known for his work with the national team, becoming the first player in USMNT history to captain three different world cups. He has also captained the US team 64 times, another national team record. 3. Demarcus Beasley (Class of 1999; Retired) One can comprehend Demarcus Beasley's greatness based on the shear workload that he's been able to endure in his 20 year career:9 teams played for A regular in the scottish league for RangersA regular in the premier league for MANCHESTER CITY A regular for PSVA regular in LIGA MXBecame a Houston Dynamo club legendPart of the USMNT's greatest momentPart of the USMNT's worst ever moment And yet, it all started with the premise of an american soccer academy. The second oldest member on this list definitely proves that it can start at very humble beginnings. 2. Tim Howard (Class of 1997; Memphis 901 FC) It only took a few weeks and one match for Project 40 for an MLS club to sign the then 18 year old, and they had good reason too. Howard then only needed three full seasons between the sticks for thhe NY/NJ Metrostars for former European champions Manchester United to purchase and then start the young Howard. After a stint at Man United, Howard was transferred to Everton, where he would become a club legend and solidified a successful 10 year career with the club. But lets be honest, there's only one thing you think of when you think of Tim Howard. When you are nicknamed "The Secretary of Defense" you are doing something right. Honorable Mentions: The amount of talent that has come from Generation Adidas's elite academy is honestly ridiculous. This list could've easily been the Top 40 players based on how they grew professionally. Here is just a taste of some that just miss the list. Kyle Beckerman Ben Olson Maurice Edu Scored perhaps the wildest goal in the wildest derby in the world? Sacha Kljestian Miles Robinson and Robbie Robinson* If we were talking predictions, I'd bet big money at least one of these players would've made this list in 10 years time. Clint Dempsey (Class of 2004; Retired) If Landon Donovan placed the global soccer footprint for Americans, then Clint Dempsey placed the American footprint for global soccer. A beloved player at Fulham, Dempsey immediately jumped from Generation Adidas to Premier league regular in just three seasons. A prolific goalscorer who can play anywhere up top, Dempsey creates countless memories for Fulham, Tottenham, the Seattle Sounders, and the USMNT. A few personal favorites: There was only going to be one person #1 on this list. Not many are able to replicate a proper number nine goal poacher quite like Dempsey. Crank it up Deuce Baby:
The 10 Best Generation Adidas Graduates
Since its inception in 1997, Generation Adidas (known at the time as Project 40,) has been a pipeline for young soccer talent looking to find its way to the professional level. The original purpose for this academy was to find the seven or eight best young players in CONCACAF, and breed them to become superstars at the professional level. A way for future stars to skip the collegiate level for a more professional atmosphere, Generation Adidas has not only provided stars in MLS, but has helped players take the next big step into Europe. Here are the best of the best: 10. Kei Kamara (Class of 2006; Colorado Rapids) The diamond from Sierra Leone has become a legend in Major League Soccer since his graduation from the academy 14 years ago. Now fifth on the all time MLS scoring record, Kamara's ability to dominate in the air had been well documented even in his academy days. Even with his best days behind him, Kamara has still shown that he can produce, scoring the opening goal for the Colorado Rapids in a 2-1 win over Orlando City to start the 202 campaign. 9. Cyle Larin (Class of 2015; Zulte Waregem) The youngest player to be featured on this list, Canadian international Cyle Larin has proved that the academy can also be a pipeline to a successful career abroad. Larin was an instant success at Orlando City, bagging 17 goals in 27 appearances for the expansion sides's first ever season in the top flight. After netting 33 goals in MLS, Larin was transferred to Turkish powerhouse Besiktas for $2.3 Million. Though he struggled to star in the XI for Besiktas, he did join Demba Ba as the only players in club history to score a hat trick in a European competition. Larin has since regained his form for Belgian top flight club Waregem, assisting 10 goals and getting 7 past the keeper in 29 league matches this season. Although Larin's career has been a rollercoaster, the 25 year old has proven that he is still a rising talent in the European ranks. 8. Darlington Nagbe (Class of 2011; Columbus Crew) The Liberia native turned USMNT starlet found his way into the academy after an impressive 2 year career at Akron. Nagbe set MLS alight after being drafted by Portland in 2011, and after 214 appearances in seven seasons, he solidified himself as a club legend. And even when it seemed like his career was on the decline, he reinvented himself as an elite number eight for both Atlanta United and his current club the Columbus Crew. Indications seem like a fruitful career in midfield may be next for the once promising winger. 7. Jozy Altidore (Class of 2006; Toronto FC) Say what you want about his tumultuous national team career, Altidore is one of the best American exports in US soccer history. Before he was traversing Europe, Altidore was banging in goals for fun at Giants stadium for the newly rebranded New York Red Bulls. Although his career in England was a disappointment to say the least (2 goals in 70 appearances for Hull City and Sunderland,) he did manage some European success at AZ Alkmaar. Before eventually being benched by Aron Johansson (I don't know how either,) Altidore was clinical in front of goal, a 39 goal tally in 67 appearances does make for pretty viewing. Now finding his permanent home in Toronto, The MLS cup champion seems to have found a way to end his career on a high note. 6. Michael Bradley (Class of 2004; Toronto FC) Michael Bradley was a regular starter for Borussia Monchengladbach, Chievo Verona, and Roma in his career. The USMNT faithful are very quick to forget about this, me included. 5. Brad Guzan (Class of 2005; Atlanta United) Potentially one of the most underrated and under-appreciated players in USMNT history, Brad Guzan was a fantastic, premier league quality keeper in his prime who could match Tim Krul for the best penalty stopper in the world. Forever living in the shadows as the backup keeper for the national team (GK1 to be talked about later,) Guzan enjoyed a fruitful prime in the premier league. A key member of what Aston Villa fans call "their last golden era," Guzan stared between the sticks for eight premier league seasons, along with two Europa League runs with the club. After a failed campaign with Middlesborough in 2016, Guzan went back to MLS, where he was able to recapture his form as one of the best shot stoppers in the country. 4. Carlos Bocanegra (Class of 2000; Retired) The captain of the national team for three World Cups started his career as an elite talent in the Project 40 camp. After impressing scouts in a short stint with the Red Bulls, Bocanegra tested his young career in England. The most prominent moments in his club career came at Fulham, where he was part of the American revolution in a squad which at one time featured Bocanegra, Brian McBride, Kasey Keller, and Clint Dempsey all in the same XI. But his tour of Europe didn't stop in West London. Following his stint with the Cottagers, Bocanegra spent four years in France with Rennes and St. Etienne. Of course, he is best known for his work with the national team, becoming the first player in USMNT history to captain three different world cups. He has also captained the US team 64 times, another national team record. 3. Demarcus Beasley (Class of 1999; Retired) One can comprehend Demarcus Beasley's greatness based on the shear workload that he's been able to endure in his 20 year career:9 teams played for A regular in the scottish league for RangersA regular in the premier league for MANCHESTER CITY A regular for PSVA regular in LIGA MXBecame a Houston Dynamo club legendPart of the USMNT's greatest momentPart of the USMNT's worst ever moment And yet, it all started with the premise of an american soccer academy. The second oldest member on this list definitely proves that it can start at very humble beginnings. 2. Tim Howard (Class of 1997; Memphis 901 FC) It only took a few weeks and one match for Project 40 for an MLS club to sign the then 18 year old, and they had good reason too. Howard then only needed three full seasons between the sticks for thhe NY/NJ Metrostars for former European champions Manchester United to purchase and then start the young Howard. After a stint at Man United, Howard was transferred to Everton, where he would become a club legend and solidified a successful 10 year career with the club. But lets be honest, there's only one thing you think of when you think of Tim Howard. When you are nicknamed "The Secretary of Defense" you are doing something right. Honorable Mentions: The amount of talent that has come from Generation Adidas's elite academy is honestly ridiculous. This list could've easily been the Top 40 players based on how they grew professionally. Here is just a taste of some that just miss the list. Kyle Beckerman Ben Olson Maurice Edu Scored perhaps the wildest goal in the wildest derby in the world? Sacha Kljestian Miles Robinson and Robbie Robinson* If we were talking predictions, I'd bet big money at least one of these players would've made this list in 10 years time. Clint Dempsey (Class of 2004; Retired) If Landon Donovan placed the global soccer footprint for Americans, then Clint Dempsey placed the American footprint for global soccer. A beloved player at Fulham, Dempsey immediately jumped from Generation Adidas to Premier league regular in just three seasons. A prolific goalscorer who can play anywhere up top, Dempsey creates countless memories for Fulham, Tottenham, the Seattle Sounders, and the USMNT. A few personal favorites: There was only going to be one person #1 on this list. Not many are able to replicate a proper number nine goal poacher quite like Dempsey. Crank it up Deuce Baby:
The 10 Best Generation Adidas Graduates
Since its inception in 1997, Generation Adidas (known at the time as Project 40,) has been a pipeline for young soccer talent looking to find its way to the professional level. The original purpose for this academy was to find the seven or eight best young players in CONCACAF, and breed them to become superstars at the professional level. A way for future stars to skip the collegiate level for a more professional atmosphere, Generation Adidas has not only provided stars in MLS, but has helped players take the next big step into Europe. Here are the best of the best: 10. Kei Kamara (Class of 2006; Colorado Rapids) The diamond from Sierra Leone has become a legend in Major League Soccer since his graduation from the academy 14 years ago. Now fifth on the all time MLS scoring record, Kamara's ability to dominate in the air had been well documented even in his academy days. Even with his best days behind him, Kamara has still shown that he can produce, scoring the opening goal for the Colorado Rapids in a 2-1 win over Orlando City to start the 202 campaign. 9. Cyle Larin (Class of 2015; Zulte Waregem) The youngest player to be featured on this list, Canadian international Cyle Larin has proved that the academy can also be a pipeline to a successful career abroad. Larin was an instant success at Orlando City, bagging 17 goals in 27 appearances for the expansion sides's first ever season in the top flight. After netting 33 goals in MLS, Larin was transferred to Turkish powerhouse Besiktas for $2.3 Million. Though he struggled to star in the XI for Besiktas, he did join Demba Ba as the only players in club history to score a hat trick in a European competition. Larin has since regained his form for Belgian top flight club Waregem, assisting 10 goals and getting 7 past the keeper in 29 league matches this season. Although Larin's career has been a rollercoaster, the 25 year old has proven that he is still a rising talent in the European ranks. 8. Darlington Nagbe (Class of 2011; Columbus Crew) The Liberia native turned USMNT starlet found his way into the academy after an impressive 2 year career at Akron. Nagbe set MLS alight after being drafted by Portland in 2011, and after 214 appearances in seven seasons, he solidified himself as a club legend. And even when it seemed like his career was on the decline, he reinvented himself as an elite number eight for both Atlanta United and his current club the Columbus Crew. Indications seem like a fruitful career in midfield may be next for the once promising winger. 7. Jozy Altidore (Class of 2006; Toronto FC) Say what you want about his tumultuous national team career, Altidore is one of the best American exports in US soccer history. Before he was traversing Europe, Altidore was banging in goals for fun at Giants stadium for the newly rebranded New York Red Bulls. Although his career in England was a disappointment to say the least (2 goals in 70 appearances for Hull City and Sunderland,) he did manage some European success at AZ Alkmaar. Before eventually being benched by Aron Johansson (I don't know how either,) Altidore was clinical in front of goal, a 39 goal tally in 67 appearances does make for pretty viewing. Now finding his permanent home in Toronto, The MLS cup champion seems to have found a way to end his career on a high note. 6. Michael Bradley (Class of 2004; Toronto FC) Michael Bradley was a regular starter for Borussia Monchengladbach, Chievo Verona, and Roma in his career. The USMNT faithful are very quick to forget about this, me included. 5. Brad Guzan (Class of 2005; Atlanta United) Potentially one of the most underrated and under-appreciated players in USMNT history, Brad Guzan was a fantastic, premier league quality keeper in his prime who could match Tim Krul for the best penalty stopper in the world. Forever living in the shadows as the backup keeper for the national team (GK1 to be talked about later,) Guzan enjoyed a fruitful prime in the premier league. A key member of what Aston Villa fans call "their last golden era," Guzan stared between the sticks for eight premier league seasons, along with two Europa League runs with the club. After a failed campaign with Middlesborough in 2016, Guzan went back to MLS, where he was able to recapture his form as one of the best shot stoppers in the country. 4. Carlos Bocanegra (Class of 2000; Retired) The captain of the national team for three World Cups started his career as an elite talent in the Project 40 camp. After impressing scouts in a short stint with the Red Bulls, Bocanegra tested his young career in England. The most prominent moments in his club career came at Fulham, where he was part of the American revolution in a squad which at one time featured Bocanegra, Brian McBride, Kasey Keller, and Clint Dempsey all in the same XI. But his tour of Europe didn't stop in West London. Following his stint with the Cottagers, Bocanegra spent four years in France with Rennes and St. Etienne. Of course, he is best known for his work with the national team, becoming the first player in USMNT history to captain three different world cups. He has also captained the US team 64 times, another national team record. 3. Demarcus Beasley (Class of 1999; Retired) One can comprehend Demarcus Beasley's greatness based on the shear workload that he's been able to endure in his 20 year career:9 teams played for A regular in the scottish league for RangersA regular in the premier league for MANCHESTER CITY A regular for PSVA regular in LIGA MXBecame a Houston Dynamo club legendPart of the USMNT's greatest momentPart of the USMNT's worst ever moment And yet, it all started with the premise of an american soccer academy. The second oldest member on this list definitely proves that it can start at very humble beginnings. 2. Tim Howard (Class of 1997; Memphis 901 FC) It only took a few weeks and one match for Project 40 for an MLS club to sign the then 18 year old, and they had good reason too. Howard then only needed three full seasons between the sticks for thhe NY/NJ Metrostars for former European champions Manchester United to purchase and then start the young Howard. After a stint at Man United, Howard was transferred to Everton, where he would become a club legend and solidified a successful 10 year career with the club. But lets be honest, there's only one thing you think of when you think of Tim Howard. When you are nicknamed "The Secretary of Defense" you are doing something right. Honorable Mentions: The amount of talent that has come from Generation Adidas's elite academy is honestly ridiculous. This list could've easily been the Top 40 players based on how they grew professionally. Here is just a taste of some that just miss the list. Kyle Beckerman Ben Olson Maurice Edu Scored perhaps the wildest goal in the wildest derby in the world? Sacha Kljestian Miles Robinson and Robbie Robinson* If we were talking predictions, I'd bet big money at least one of these players would've made this list in 10 years time. Clint Dempsey (Class of 2004; Retired) If Landon Donovan placed the global soccer footprint for Americans, then Clint Dempsey placed the American footprint for global soccer. A beloved player at Fulham, Dempsey immediately jumped from Generation Adidas to Premier league regular in just three seasons. A prolific goalscorer who can play anywhere up top, Dempsey creates countless memories for Fulham, Tottenham, the Seattle Sounders, and the USMNT. A few personal favorites: There was only going to be one person #1 on this list. Not many are able to replicate a proper number nine goal poacher quite like Dempsey. Crank it up Deuce Baby: