D.C. United U-16’s defeat Philadelphia Union in pre-season match
D.C. United’s Youth Academy continued with its pre-season preparation this weekend, as the U-16 and U-18 sides faced the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, October 9 in Wayne, Pa.
D.C. United’s U-16 side defeated the Union after being down 1-0 in the first half. United’s first goal came in the 25th minute when Christian Rodrigues seized a rebound from the Union’s goalkeeper after a shot by Cristhyan Najar. United turned the score around in the 38th minute when Najar, assisted by Rodrigues, dribbled past two defenders and finished with his left foot to earn a 2-1 victory for the Black-and-Red.
Cristhyan Najar had previously scored a goal for D.C. United’s Reserves during the 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls last Thursday.
“Although it was only a scrimmage, I believe we are on the right track by defining the way we want to play this season: an aggressive, attacking soccer,” said United U-16 Head Coach Roberto Da Silva. “After the Union’s goal, I knew the boys would not just give the game away that easily. I could see in their eyes that they wanted more and they responded quickly by scoring two goals in the first half.”
United’s U-18’s did not share the same luck, as they trailed 4-0 against the Union. The Philadelphia side scored one goal in the first half and three in the second half.
“Being our first match of the year, we knew it would be a difficult match against a very good Philadelphia Union team,” said United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “The game served its purpose; we now have a good understanding of where we are as a team and have identified areas of our play that we are pleased with and areas which require attention.”
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