From Last Word on Soccer, by Noah Sobel-Pressman
Today, MLS announced the 2017 Generation adidas signings. Generation adidas is a program that helps underclassmen and youth internationals enter MLS. These players don’t count against the salary cap, and receive college scholarships if they fail in MLS. This year, MLS introduced a new initiative: Generation adidas Canada. This initiative helps bring talented Canadian youth internationals to MLS. The 2017 Generation adidas class consisted of five players.
MLS Announces 2017 Generation Adidas Signings
2017 Generation adidas Players: Abu Danladi (UCLA), Miles Robinson (Syracuse University), and Jackson Yueill (UCLA)
2017 Generation adidas Canada Players: Adonijah Reid (Canadian Youth National Team), and
Shamit Shome (FC Edmonton)
Abu Danladi
Abu Danladi, a junior forward at UCLA, hails from Ghana. In his three seasons at UCLA, he has amassed many accolades including being named to MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List and Top Drawer Soccer Freshman of the Year. He appeared in 42 matches, starting 34, while tallying 18 goals and 18 assists. However, this season Danladi was limited by injury and only made 8 starts, playing 744 minutes.
Miles Robinson
Sophomore Miles Robinson spent two years at Syracuse University before signing with MLS. In high school, he lived in Arlington, Massachusetts playing with FC Bolts Celtic. He is also frequently called up to the US U-20 National Team. While a freshman, he helped the Orange defense produce nine shutouts. In addition, he was named to the Top Drawer Soccer Freshman Best XI First Team. As a sophomore, he led the Syracuse defense to have 11 shutouts, and also chipped in four goals. For his efforts, the ACC selected Robinson to be a member of the All-ACC First Team.
Jackson Yueill
In addition to Danladi, Jackson Yueill was also a UCLA Bruin. However, Yueill only spent two season at UCLA. In those two seasons, he amassed nine goals and 17 assists in 40 appearances. He also has spent time with the U-18 and U-20 USYNT.
Adonijah Reid
Adonijah Reid is one of the two members of the first Generation Adidas Canada class. The Ontario born player played for Canadian Youth National Teams since he was 14. Reid lines up as a forward. When not playing with the CYNT, he previously played for ANB Futbol.
Shamit Shome
Shamit Shome is the first player transferred from FC Edmonton to the MLS. The midfielder graduated from the FC Edmonton Academy in 2016, and immediately made an impact with 26 first team appearances. Shome spent 2015 at the University of Alberta, earning a degree in engineering while playing soccer. He also is a key cog for the U-20 Canadian Youth National Team. Shome was nominated for the 2016 Canadian U-20 player of the year.
