(YSC Sports)

The first piece of hardware in Union franchise history wasn't won by the first team.

While it won't garner nearly as many headlines as, say, a U.S. Open Cup or an MLS Cup championship, the Union's U-17 academy team was crowned champions of the Generation adidas Cup, after knocking off Toronto FC U-17, 3-2, in a penalty shootout in Seattle.

The game was tied, 2-2, after regulation and 20 minutes of extra time.

Joey Julius scored his third goal of the tournament off a Zach Pfeffer assist, his fourth in only the final two matches of the tourney. Max Kroschwitz, who scored twice in two days, sent the Union to the shootout.

Listen, it ain't glamorous ... but it shows the Union know what they're doing at the development level.