The D.C. United U-16s were in action Friday, June 27 against MLS rival LA Galaxy. It was their final game of group play at the playoffs. Going into the game, United were up on goal differential and needed only a tie or a win to move on to the quarterfinals.
The game began bright and early at 9 a.m. on a turf field at the Grand Sports Complex. LA had the majority of possession in the first 10 minutes, but United quickly sped up and the game became a chess match between two talented teams. Stalwart defending from both United and LA kept shot attempts at a minimum. The two sides went into halftime tied at 0-0 with very few scoring opportunities between the two.
The second half began with more careful and calculated possession for both teams. However, LA broke through United’s defense in the 46th minute when a ball was crossed dangerously into the area which deflected into the back of United’s net. The Black-and-Red peppered the Galaxy net with shot after shot for the next 35 minutes, beating defenders and making dangerous runs. Unfortunately, the Galaxy backline stood strong and did not allow United to even up the score. DCU ended up falling 1-0 in a very evenly-matched and competitive game against a well-organized side.
The U-16s finished their season 17-4-7 in overall play with 80 goals scored and only 22 against. Stay updated on D.C. United Youth Development news and updates via Twitter, Facebookand at dcunited.com.
Box Score vs. LA Galaxy: 1-0 loss
Starting XI: Antonio Bustamante, Brenna Ireland, Patrick Jean-Gilles, Christophe Koffi, Owen Marshall, Lucas Mendes, Zachary McMurrer, Donovan Pines, Daniel Reeves, Jonathan Sousa and Trey Vinson
Full U-16 Travel Roster: Tyler Beaudoin, Antonio Bustamante, Jose Carranza, Brennan Ireland, Patrick Jean-Gilles, Milton Juarez, Christophe Koffi, Owen Marshall, Zachary McMurrer, Lucas Mendes, Donovan Pines, Daniel Reeves, Miles Robinson, Ibrahim Seye, Jonathan Sousa, Gerson Umana and Trey Vinson
