Academy Update: October 9, 2014

This weekend, the D. C. United Academy teams went 4-1 this against local rival Bethesda Olney, while the U-12 Academy Team defeated MD Rush Montgomery Academy and tied VE Green Gunners.

Columbus Day weekend, the D.C. United Academy will be taking a group of U-17 players to the first Generation adidas Cup qualifying event in Philadelphia, Pa., while he U-13s and U-15s will be competing in the Northeast Pre-Academy League Showcase in Manheim, Pa. For more information on the Generation adidas Cup, please click here.

U-12s: 2-1 win against MD Rush Montgomery Academy
Goals: Max Ruiz, Amir Acree

3-3 draw against VE Green Gunners
Goals: Omre Etienne (2 goals), Foday Bangura

“I am very proud of the boys disciplined approach to playing possession oriented soccer all weekend,” said D.C. United U-12 Head Coach Dave Sanford. “This week we will focus on advancing the ball while in possession and aiming to combine in the attacking third to create goal-scoring opportunities.”

U-13s: 0-1 loss against Bethesda Olney

“It was a good competitive match-up that featured some tough individual battles,” said D.C. United U-13 Head Coach John Bello. “The boys struggled to get into a rhythm but were able to put together some very nice movement in front of the goal.  We pushed hard for the equalizer but were unable to find the tying goal. The focus moving forward will be on the three weekend matches at the Columbus Day Showcase in Manheim Pa. The group is highly motivated to show how well they can play at their full potential.”

U-14s: 2-1 win against Bethesda Olney
Goals: Kyle Davis, Danny Benavides

“We went down in the first half 1-0 after hitting the post every once and in a while and had the majority of possession,” said D.C. United U-14 Head Coach Jeff Carroll.  “In the first half we couldn't find the back of the net from 10-15 shots on goal. We then came back in the second half with an early goal. Kyle Davis crossed the ball and Danny Benavides was able to finish.  The 2nd goal came from a Danny Benavides slotted ball through to an on running Kyle Davis, who slotted the ball past the keeper’s right. Our main focus moving forward is to be more composed on the ball with the hopes of finishing more of our opportunities.”

U-15s: 2-0 win against Bethesda Olney
Goals: Luke Campbell, SahrFelix Sandy

“We missed two or three great chances but overall we dominated the first half and were able to put one in the back of the net,” said D.C. United U-15 Assistant Coach Nenad Babic. “We made some changes in the second half and Bethesda had an opportunity to tie the game in the last 15 minutes but we were not able to finish. In general we were the better team and deserved to win.”

U-16s: 1-0 win against Bethesda Olney
Goals: Donovan Pines

“The group faced a tough opponent and were unlucky not to score on several chances that were created throughout the match,” said D.C. United U-16 Head Coach Jonathan Frias. “Credit to the boys, they found a way to get the result in the end off a Donovan Pines header on a set piece. The focus this week is to work on our finishing and our defensive shape as we head into the Generation Adidas regional event next weekend in Philadelphia.”

U-18s: 4-1 win against Bethesda Olney
Goals: Jorge Calix, Daniel Reeves, Gerson Umana, Eryk Williamson

"We were thrilled that the group brought the right mentality to have a solid performance for the entire 90 minutes,” said D.C. United U-18 Head Coach Tom Torres. “Every unit excelled in most phases of the game and the boys were able to successfully thwart the opponents’ attacks, have long bouts of possession and were rewarded with some quality goals versus a strong Bethesda side. With an off weekend ahead, we will work on some of the details in areas where we are deficient and look to get our legs back.”