SUM U-17 Cup to be held in conjunction with All-Star game

Najar was part the D.C. United U-17 team that won the SUM Cup in 2009.

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For the first time in its four-year history, every MLS team will be represented in the SUM U-17 Cup to be held in Houston’s Centennial Park from July 23 to July 29.

The 16-team tournament, which showcases the talent in the U-17 development squads, has been a launching platform of sorts for current MLS players Tristan Bowen (LA Galaxy), Andy Najar (D.C. United), Bill Hamid (D.C.), Juan Agudelo (New York) and Bryan Leyva (FC Dallas).

The tournament will consist of four groups made up of four teams, and the top team from each group will advance to the single-game knockout stages. The final will be played on July 28.

The SUM U-17 Cup will be played in conjunction with the MLS All-Star Game to take place in Houston’s Reliant Stadium on July 27, where the MLS’ best 11 will take on English Premier League giants Manchester United.

Last year, D.C. United beat the Kansas City Wizards in a penalty shootout to claim the SUM Cup. United also claimed the title in 2007.

Real Salt Lake is the only other team to have won the SUM Cup.

Groups:

Group A: D.C. United, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes

Group B: FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders FC, Columbus Crew, Philadelphia Union

Group C: New England Revolution, Chivas USA, Houston Dynamo, Toronto FC

Group D: Los Angeles Galaxy, Kansas City Wizards, Real Salt Lake, New York Red Bull

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