Academy News

United U-16s and U-18s compete in USSDA Playoffs

IMAGE: Academy with MS

The D.C. United Under-16 and Under-18 Academy teams have traveled to Dallas to compete in the 2016 USSDA (U.S. Soccer Development Academy) Playoffs beginning on June 22 at the Toyota Soccer Center. The two teams, led by head coach Tom Torres, combined for a 27-14-11 overall record this season, scoring a total of 114 goals while only conceding 65. 


The U-18s clinched a wildcard berth into the playoffs after finishing fourth with a 15-5-6 record in the 2016 USSDA Atlantic Division. D.C. United’s newest Homegrown Player (and youngest in team history), Chris Durkin, will lead the defense.  The U-18s take on Orlando City SC (June 22), FC Dallas (June 24), and Shattuck-Saint Mary’s (June 26). 


The U-16s advanced to the USSDA Playoffs after a late push following the winter break in which they earned 15 points in their last 10 games. They ended the season with a 12-9-5 overall record, securing third place in the Atlantic Division. The U-16s’ first fixture against FC Dallas (June 22) was live streamed via U.S. Soccer’s YouTube channel. The group also take on the Capital Area Railhawks (June 24), and Chicago Magic (June 26). 


The Under-14 academy, coached by D.C. United Academy Director, Nolan Sheldon, also traveled to Dallas, TX on June 17, to compete in the USSDA showcase event. They played St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri (June 20), Orlando City FC (June 21) and play the San Jose Earthquakes June 23.


Under-18 Roster
Head Coach: Tom Torres 


Goalkeepers: Lance DaSilva (0), Hunter Trefny (33)


Defenders: Mark Elmore (14), Donovan Pines (4), Jonathan Sousa (2), Trey Vinson (3)


Midfielders: Jonathan Bell (23), Jose Carranza (10), Chris Durkin (12), Max Edwards (13), Avionne Flanagan (22), Colin Jouan (21), Grant Robinson (16), Brandon Williamson (19)


Forwards: Nico Brown (18), Carson Jeffris (6), Raheem Lawal (9), Lucas-Walker (5) 

<strong>Date</strong>
<strong>Opponent</strong>
<strong>Time</strong>
<strong>Result</strong>
<strong>Field</strong>
Wed., June 22
Orlando City SC
7:30 PM
Loss
14
Friday, June 24
FC Dallas
7:30 PM
6
Sunday, June 26
Shattuck-Saint Mary's
7:30 PM
14



Under-16 Roster
Head Coach: Tom Torres 


Goalkeepers: Ryan Bilichuk (30), Gio Diaz (0), Nicholas Gerlach (1)


Defenders: Luke Campbell (4), Michael Edwards (14), Edison Giron (16), Chandler Vaughn (5), Jacob Velvel (21), Lachlan Woosley (6)


Midfielders: Nelson Blanco (10), Sandor Bustamante (13), Alexis Cerritos (11), Derin Kokuuslu (3), Andrew Nicholas (7)


Forwards: Colin Brezniak (8), Eric Calvillo (12), Jonathan Godette (9), SahrFelix Sandy (27)

<strong>Date</strong>
<strong>Opponent</strong>
<strong>Time</strong>
<strong>Result</strong>
<strong>Field</strong>
Wed., June 22
FC Dallas
5:00 PM
Loss
4
Friday, June 24
Capital Area Railhawks
5:00 PM
11
Sunday, June 26
Chicago Magic
5:00 PM
3 (Turf)