Coming off a one-week layoff, D.C. United’s Youth Academy teams resumed their 2012 USSDA run this past weekend, with the U-16’s and U-18’s facing Mid-Atlantic Division rivals Potomac and Baltimore Bays Chelsea.
United’s U-18 squad kicked off the weekend with a resounding 4-0 victory over Potomac on Saturday, May 5. A brace by Marcus Salandy-Defour, a tally from Suliman Dainkeh and a penalty kick-goal from Collin Martin led the Black-and-Red to victory. Goalkeeper Allan Flott was also influential by providing security from the back as he recorded the shutout in goal.
Unfortunately, the U-18’s were not able to earn back-to-back wins, as they fell 2-0 to Baltimore Bays Chelsea on Sunday. In a hard-fought match, Baltimore scored both goals in the final three minutes of the match.
“We were pleased with the team’s performance this weekend,” said United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “On Saturday, we took our chances well and were well organized in defense. We were a bit unfortunate on Sunday, giving up both goals in the final moments of the match.”
United’s U-16 team continued its good form by extending its unbeaten streak to seven matches this past weekend. On Saturday, the U-16’s defeated Potomac by 1-0 with a goal from Nigel Robinson, assisted by Ian Harkes. On Sunday, the Black-and-Red earned a 0-0 draw against Baltimore Bays Chelsea. The U-16’s were able to record a shutout despite playing down a man due to a 60th minute ejection.
“Overall, we were proud that the boys were able to get two shutouts on the weekend,” said United U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “I was happy for the ten players that were on the field vs. Baltimore. They worked very hard and had several chances to score, despite the disadvantage. All the players showed a tremendous amount of determination over the weekend.”
D.C. United’s U-18 and U-16 teams will continue with USSDA action next weekend, with matches against FC Delco on Saturday, May 12 and PA Classics on Sunday, May 13.
