SUM U-17 Cup Begins; Squads from Houston, D.C., and Columbus Shine Early

All 16 MLS clubs have sent some of the best prospects from their respective youth development programs to Houston to compete in the largest SUM U-17 Cup to date. Similar to the format of the FIFA World Cup, each team was drawn into a four-team group and plays three group-phase matches. The top team from each group qualifies for the winner's bracket to determine the SUM U-17 Cup champion. The remaining squads qualify for consolation brackets, allowing all teams to play a total of five games. The final will be played at Robertson Stadium on Thursday, July 29, at 9 a.m. CT. 

In the first few days of the tournament, many talented young players shone for their respective clubs. The Houston Dynamo academy team won both of its first two matches by a score of 3-0 and lead Group C. Columbus, led by dynamic attacker Chris Davis, has also posted two victories. Houston will face Chivas USA, who has won both of its matches, while Columbus will face Seattle, for dominance in their groups.

For group standings and recaps of all the games in the first two days of action, click here <http://www.houstondynamo.com/SUMCup>.