Season Update: With the end of the academy season in sight, the D.C. United youth teams had another busy schedule over the past weekend. It was a mixed bag of results as United faced the Baltimore Bays on Saturday, May 16 and Seacoast United on May 17. The U16s were unable to come away with a win on Saturday, losing 3-1 to the Bays, though the U18s won 2-0. Sunday against Seacoast United brought more success, with the U16s winning 2-1 and the U18s snatching a late 1-1 draw.
“Overall, it was a decent weekend for our teams and players,” said John Maessner, United’s Director of Youth Development. “We are always striving to be better each time we step on the field and we feel our players are progressing.”
The U16s loss against the Bays came as a result of two goals conceded in the second half. Yaw Amankwa equalized in the 23rd minute, but the two Bays goals consigned United to defeat. A Noah Merlin penalty kick was the difference in Sunday’s win against the Bays, after Andy Najar had given United the lead in the 10th minute.
The U18s cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win against the Bays, going ahead in the 5th minute behind an Eliseo Fraga goal. They padded the lead in the 32nd minute, as Shane Cooke found the back of the net from 18 yards out. The game against Seacoast United required some last minute desperation, as Chris Hegngi equalized in the 90th minute.
“We were pleased with our team’s effort this weekend,” said U18 Head Coach Judah Cooks. “Having solidified the first place finish in the conference with the win against Baltimore, our players came out hard again and played a very impressive attacking style on Sunday against a good defensive unit in Seacoast.”
Season finishing: Both the U16 and U18 teams will head to Sarasota, FL to take place in the 2009 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Spring Showcase from May 21-25. Both teams are scheduled to face South Charlotte SA, FC Dallas Academy, and Sockers FC. The Academy Playoffs are the next month, from June 25-29 in Greensboro, NC, while the Finals would be held at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA from July 10-17. Last but not least, this year’s MLS U17 Cup will be held in Denver, CO on July 3-8.
U16 and U18 Academy Tryouts: In an effort to identify the best youth players in the Washington D.C. area, the D.C. United Academy will be holding tryouts for the U16 and U18 Academy teams in June. Tryout dates are scheduled for June 8, 12, 15, and 19, July 28-30, and August 11-13. Sessions will be held at RFK Stadium’s Auxiliary Turf Field. Further details are available at www.dcunited.com/academy .
Summer Camps: The D.C. United Academy is offering a 12-camp schedule in different locations in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C. throughout the 2009 summer. A variety of training opportunities will be available, with each tailored to provide a fun and rewarding experience, while also encouraging players to develop their full potential. Along with that, there will be an Elite Residential Soccer Camp that will take place at the Catholic University of America from July 30 - August 2. For full details including camp schedule, please visit www.dcunited.com/academy .
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
