Everyone was ready for a day to sleep in, except the coaches. Coaches Tom Torres and Nolan Sheldon and Academy Manager Steve Olivarez went to a meeting to listen to U.S. Men’s National Team Coach Jürgen Klinsmann. Meanwhile, the U-18s took the day off, and the U-16s didn’t have a game until 1 p.m. It was a cool morning and a lot of guys slept in or took walks on the beach. The U-16s departed for the field as the temperature began to rise.
Over 50+ college coaches were in attendance today when the D.C. United U-16s played their second game of the Winter Showcase against the Crew Soccer Academy. It was a hot day that proved to take down multiple players across the Premier Sports Complex. United used their reserves well and subbed efficiently to push a fast paced game. The Black-and-Red played to a scoreless draw in the first half that included a lot of D.C. United possession and a few quality chances on goal. DJ Reeves was subbed in to start the second half and made an immediate impact on the game. Reeves took on three Crew players to score a sensational a goal to put United up 1-0 in the 49th minute. Things began to heat up as the Crew pushed for the equalizer. Goalkeeper Tyler Beaudoin made two clutch saves to keep the lead for United going into the 80th minute. United countered quickly off of this Crew chance and Liam Hoen-Beck carried the ball the length of the field and crossed it to an awaiting Christophe Koffi, who slotted the ball into the back of the net. United lead 2-0, but the Crew pulled one back during stoppage time to make the final score 2-1. The D.C. United U-16s will play their third and final game of the Winter Showcase against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, Dec.15 at 9 a.m.
D.C. United U-16 player Jose Carranza played 80 minutes in the U-15 Boys National Team game against the De Anza Force. The BNT was trailing the Force 1-0 going into the 80th minute when Carranza assisted to a teammate for the equalizer. Carranza has another game with the BNT against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m.
The U-18s had the entire day off. They trained during the first half of the U-16s game and then sat and watch the U-16s for the second half. Once the U-18s returned to the hotel, there was a lot of beach volleyball along with a regen session in the ocean and pool. The U-18s will play their final game of the Showcase against Real Salt Lake AZ. Real Salt Lake is sitting atop the Western Conference and have a record of 6-1-2. This will be the most competitive and challenging game for the D.C. United U-18s.
Friday the Thirteenth proved to be a pretty lucky and successful day for D.C. United. A win against a fellow MLS club and beautiful weather for the beach makes for a pretty good day.
