United Notebook

In a recent post on Buzzfeed.com, the publication celebrated the human spirit in the aftermath of the tragedies in Boston and West Texas. The post featured a gallery of images of citizens and law enforcement officers working side-by-side to assit others. It captured the love and support that Americans all over the country displayed for victims, their families, and the cities where these horrific events took place.

One such image was an Instagram photo taken at Sunday's D.C. United match at RFK. The shot featured a pre-game tifo from United Supporters, which read, "STAND STRONG BOSTON + WEST." D.C. United is proud of the support that our fans showed to the cities and victims of last week's events, thank you.

Collin Martin, former D.C. United Academy standout and current Wake Forest Demon Deacon, was called into the United States U-20 Training Camp in Carson, Calif., from April 22-29 in preparation for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The freshman midfielder/forward hails from Chevy Chase, Md., and has trained with Manchester United in 2008 and German side Hoffenheim in 2011. The young midfielder has made an impact with both United’s Academy and professional level— scoring a game-tying goal for United’s reserve team against the New England Revolution. Furthermore, Martin impressed coaches and players alike at several practices with United’s First Team in 2012.

Martin— named First Team All-Met by the Washington Post— helped the U-18s reach the USSDA National Championship in Texas and was named an Eastern Conference starting XI midfielder at the end of the 2012 season.

The 18-year-old graduated early from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and went on to feature in 20 games for Wake Forest, starting 15 of them. The young standout tallied one goal and registered six assists in the 2012 season, helping the Demon Deacons reach the first round of the NCAA tournament. Martin was then called into the U-20 camp in December of 2012.

"Collin being called into camp is important for D.C. United," said D.C. United Director of Youth Development Sonny Silooy. "He is still 18, still very young. When someone is already selected at just 17, you know he already has a lot of talent. He has potential to make the First Team for D.C and maybe the United States National Team someday."

Collin will join 23 other players in California, including current Major League Soccer standouts Will Trap and Jose Villarreal. 

On Sunday, D.C. United takes on the Philadelphia Union in an I-95 rivalry matchup at 5:00 p.m. ET. If you've got three friends, you can come for free!

Visit Ticketmaster.com for more details, and we'll see you Sunday at RFK.

Today was team photo day for the Black-and-Red. The team headed down East Capitol Street for the shoot. Join us on May 8 when D.C. United hosts the Houston Dynamo on team poster night.

May 8 tickets available ONLINE