In a week where D.C. United Youth Academy product Andy Najar was signed to the first team, the club’s current U-16 and U-18 sides played a set of matches against the New York Red Bulls at American University. Both games ended in draws, with United’s U-16’s playing to a 0-0 deadlock, while the U-18’s finished 1-1.
U-18 forward Connor Shanosky scored United’s lone goal against New York, when the young player slotted a rebound into the Red Bull goal in the 38’. United Director of Youth Development John Maessner was pleased with his players’ efforts against MLS opposition.
“Its always interesting playing other MLS teams’ academy sides, and whenever we play New York Red Bull it is exciting for the players and coaches,” said Maessner. “I think at the academy level we have a responsibility to set the standard in this country, and I think both clubs showed on Saturday that the future of our sport is at the youth level.”
Meanwhile, United will continue to search for premier talent in the greater Washington D.C. metro area by offering multiple tryouts to boys born between 1994 and 1998. The club’s U-15 Academy Training Program provides players with top-class instruction from United’s professional coaching staff. The program will run from June 14 through August 20 , and the participating players will be given full consideration for D.C. United’s upcoming 2010/2011 U-16 Academy side.
This program will have two groups; a group of 30 players born in 1994 and 1995, and another set of 30 players born 1996, 1997, and 1998. Tryouts will be held on April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, and May 21 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the RFK Auxiliary Fields. All players must fill out a waiver and registration from before competing.
Additionally, United’s Super-20 team is looking for premier athletes to represent D.C. United in the USL Super Y-League, one of the most competitive youth environments in the country. The team will be comprised of players born on or after January 1, 1990. Like the U-15 tryouts, sessions will be held on April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14, and May 21, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m at the RFK Auxiliary facility.
Further information on both rounds of tryouts can be found under the D.C. United Youth Academy section at weww.dcunited.com or by contacting Junior Castro at 202-587-5498.
