Following a two-week layoff, D.C. United’s U-18 and U-16 teams returned to action this past weekend, facing Potomac in USSDA play.
United’s U-18’s (4-2-2, 14 pts.) extended their unbeaten streak to four matches with an astounding 5-0 victory over Potomac on Saturday, June 2. The Black-and-Red were quick and effective to secure a 3-0 lead going into halftime and sealed the win with two second-half tallies. United outperformed Potomac with goals from Damilola Adetola (Bowie High School/Bowie, Md.), Marcus Salandy-Defour (Georgetown Preparatory School/Kensington, Md.), Sebastian Cahe (Walt Whitman High School/Bethesda, Md.) and a brace by Jannik Eckenrode (West Springfield High School/Springfield, Va.).
“We performed well and converted our chances,” said United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “We hope to continue this goal-scoring form into out weekend games in PA.”
United’s U-16’s (3-1-4, 13 pts.) finished their third consecutive game unbeaten, securing a point in a 2-2 draw against Potomac last Saturday. Mike Sauers (Glen Arm, Md.) opened up the scoring for United, assisted by Jorge Calix (St. Stephens Episcopal School/Ft. Washington, Md.), while Ian Harkes (Gonzaga College High School/Fairfax, Va.) connected a cross from Nigel Robinson (Forest Park High School/Woodbridge, Va.) to give the team a 2-0 lead, but Potomac managed to tie the match in the final 15 minutes.
“The positive was that we were able to dictate the flow of the match for a solid 65 minutes,” said United U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “We were unfortunate to lose momentum in the final moments and give up two goals. That being said, the group’s level of play is high. Their biggest challenge will be to have the correct mentality for the final two weekends.”
