MLS announced the 2013 MLS Combine Invite list today. The initial list is comprised of 54 of the top NCAA Division I players from the past season.

Former D.C. United Academy midfielder Uwem Etuk was selected to the list, after a successful collegiate career with West Virginia. Etuk saw time in 75 matches for the Mountaineers, notching eight goals and 18 assists.

In his time with the Academy, Etuk played alongside current United defender Ethan White. Today, White gave a shout out to his former teammate on Twitter:

On Friday night the Georgetown Men's Soccer Team made school history when they qualified for the NCAA National Championship match for the first time. The Hoyas battled neighbor school, the University of Maryland to a 4-4 draw in regular-time.

Former D.C. United Academy midfielder Tyler Rudy, a sophomore at Georgetown, played his part with an assist on the first Hoyas goal in the 33rd minute. Eventually the sides would meet for penalty kicks, and Georgetown would come out on top 4-3.

The local boys make their first National Championship appearance this Sunday at 2:00 PM against seven-time National Champions the Indiana Hoosiers. Watch the match on ESPNU or at WatchESPN.com, with commentary by Glenn Davis and Taylor Twellman.

Congratulations to the D.C. United U-16 Development Academy who will go into their winter break as the number one team in the nation. The Academy is the only division leader who boasts an undefeated record over the first 13 matches. With a 2.69 points per game average, they also lead their age-group in goals. 15 year old Gerson Umana, sits atop the individual standings with 11 goals on the season. 

The US Development Academy season starts in September and goes through the following June. The winter break falls between December and March.

Academy Update presented by Korrio. We organize and share your sports life. Learn how One for all. All for sports.

Pontius, DeLeon, Hamid and Kitchen all ascend December’s list after impressive MLS Cup playoff appearances

Chris Pontius, Nick DeLeon, Bill Hamid and Perry Kitchen all increased their player ratings from November to December in American Soccer Now’s (ASN) 100. Voted on by the likes of former U.S. Men’s National Team players (USMNT) – Jimmy Conrad, Alexi Lalas and Kyle Martino – as well as members of the soccer media, such as Grant Wahl, Jason Davis and Brian Sciaretta, among others, the list ranks the American player pool from 1-100.

Moving up three spots to #22, Pontius looks prime to earn a spot in the USMNT’s upcoming January camp. In the biggest Black-and-Red jump for the month, DeLeon catapulted 11 spots to #50. The rookie had two goals in the MLS playoffs – United’s first post-season appearance since 2007 – including the game-winner against the New York Red Bulls in Leg 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Hamid shows up not far behind, at #52 (up two spots from November), jumping ahead of Chicago Fire netminder Sean Johnson. And 20-year-old Perry Kitchen continues his gradual ascend, climbing six spots up to #64.

The next USMNT camp will occur on Jan. 14, and will include no more than 23 players. Typically pooling from MLS and players in the Scandinavian leagues, DeLeon, Hamid, Kitchen and Pontius could very well be in the mix. Immediately following this camp (and a possible friendly), Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann will select the roster that will kickstart the Hexagonal Round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Feb. 6 against Honduras.

View the full list.