WASHINGTON, DC (April 21, 2009) - The D.C. United Academy will be holding tryouts for the U15 Academy Training Program and the Super-20 Academy Team. Tryouts will be held the next four Mondays at the RFK Stadium Auxiliary Turf Field for both groups.
The U15 Academy Training Program is designed for players born on or after January 1, 1993 and is an ideal opportunity for the area's top young players to receive first class instruction from the Academy’s professional staff and get a taste of what its like to play for D.C. United’s Academy teams. Players will be divided into two groups, those born in 1993 and 1994 and those born in 1995, 1996 and 1997, and will run from June 10 to August 8.
Training sessions will be held twice per week and the groups will play intra-squad matches on Saturdays. Every player will be evaluated and given special consideration for the upcoming 2009/2010 U16 Academy team. Talented younger players not selected to our Academy Teams this year will be placed on the Academy’s scouting list and will be considered for future teams. If selected to the U15 Academy Training Program, each player will receive a D.C. United training jersey to be worn to all training sessions. There is a participation fee of $550.
The Super-20 team will compete in the United Soccer League's Super Y-League during the summer. Players born on or after January 1, 1989 are eligible, and those selected will receive full home and away United uniforms and a training jersey to be worn at all training sessions. NCAA Division I players will not be permitted to tryout unless they have finished their final exams and school is officially out of session. If selected for the Super-20 team, players will be evaluated for first team consideration and there is a participation fee of $800.
For more information, please contact Junior Castro at 202-587-5498 or by emailing ucastro@dcunited.com
or visit dcunited.com/academy. Complete tryout information is detailed below:
Dates: April 27 & May 4, 11, 18
Location: RFK Auxiliary Turf Field
Registration: 4:00 p.m. for U15 & 6:00 p.m. for Super-20
Sessions: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. for U15 & 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. for Super-20
Weekend Results: The D.C. United Academy teams enjoyed a relatively successful weekend, coming away with a win and a draw against F.C. Greater Boston. The U16 side came away with a triumphant 4-0 win, while the U18s were a bit unlucky, drawing 0-0.
“We played very well this weekend and deserved to win both our matches,” said United Director of Youth Development, John Maessner. “Both teams are growing and playing attractive, well-organized soccer. We need to do a better job of finishing our chances when we have them. I am very happy with where both teams are right now in terms of the soccer that is being played on the field and the development of our players. We have lots of work to do and will continue to push our players to reach their potential.”
Two goals from Myles McGinley and Yaw Amankwa each led the way for the U16s in their easy win over FCGB. McGinley struck early, scoring off a cross in the 7th minute. He found the net again in the second half, this time in the 50th minute, with Amankwa getting the assist. Amankwa rounded out the scoring with goals in the 70th and 80th minute. His first came off a great individual effort, as he tracked back to strip a FCGB defender, drove 40 yards to the goal and finished past the keeper.
“We came out strong from minute one and remained strong throughout the match, not allowing any goals,” said U16 Coach Roberto DaSilva. “Our defensive organization allowed us to be in better spots when we won the ball, which in turn helped us to be more effective going forward and creating chances.”
The U18s had a tough game, going up against a very talented side from FC Greater Boston. Honors were even after 90 minutes of play, with United leaving a few chances go by the wayside.
“Overall, this is the toughest two-game spell we have had all year as far as our results go,” said U18 Head Coach Judah Cooks. “Our performances are still very strong and as a group need to pay more attention to details and keep moving forward.”
Next games: United’s teams face a busy weekend, traveling to Connecticut for games against Oakwood SC and South Central Premier this coming weekend. On Saturday the U16s will play at 2 p.m., followed by the U18s at 4 p.m., while on Sunday, the U16s kickoff at 11 a.m. and the U18s at 1 p.m.
U18 call-up: United Academy U18 defender Peabo Doue has been invited into the upcoming U18 U.S. National team camp at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. from April 18-25.
“Peabo deserves the call up,” said Maessner. “He has worked hard and has been playing very well lately. Peabo is one of the top players in our program and we expect very big things from him over the next couple of years. We are confident that he will represent his family and the Club very well next week at camp.”
Broadcasting and P.A. Request: When speaking of the organization, please refer to the team as either “D.C. United” or “United,” but not “the D.C. United” or “the United.” We appreciate your cooperation.
Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
