Academy Update - April 15, 2013

The D.C. United U-16s finished with a scoreless draw against Potomac this weekend, while the U-18s cruised to a 4-1 victory over Potomac’s U-18s. Additionally, U-14 Pre-Academy player Christopher Durkin (Glen Allen, Va.; Richmond Kickers) featured well in U.S. Club Soccer’s id2 Program Training Camp in Charleston, SC.

The U-18s (12-5-2) grabbed a 4-1 victory from the Potomac U-18s (3-15-2), with a first-half hat trick from Ian Harkes (Fairfax, Va.; Herndon Youth Soccer) – one strike coming from the run of play and two courtesy of converted penalty kicks. Jorge Calix (Alexandria, Va.; Team America Premier) added United’s fourth goal of the match – his seventh of the season – in the second half. The Black-and-Red would have kept the clean sheet, if not for Potomac nabbing one in the closing minutes.

“Congratulations to Ian for his hat trick and to the team for picking up three points,” said U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “Despite scoring three of the four goals in the first half, I thought our level was better in the second half, which is a credit to the substitutes that came on and performed well. We'll continue to work hard and prepare for our important match versus FC Delco this weekend.”

The U-16s (13-2-4) drew 0-0 with Potomac (8-9-3), which has put the squad in second place in the East Conference’s Atlantic Division. Although the team controlled possession in the second half, with several quality chances, the United U-16s were unable to capitalize.

“This week was a much improved defensive effort,” said U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “The boys spent a lot of time in training working on their shape, organization and discipline, and were rewarded with a shutout versus a hard-working opponent. We lacked a bit of creativity in the final third, but still had several quality chances. The goal in training this week will be to put both sides of the ball together and look for a complete showing.”

The United U-18s and U-16s next face FC Delco this Saturday, April 20 at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, Md.

D.C. United U-14 Pre-Academy midfielder Christopher Durkin participated in a U.S. Club Soccer id2 Program Training Camp in Charleston, SC over the weekend, which included several elite scrimmages. In the second match of the day, Durkin impressed and played composed soccer for the “Green” team, with the scoreline ending 3-2 in favor of “Green.”