D.C. United’s U-18 and U-16traveled to New N.J. this past weekend to face PDA and NYRB in USSDA leaguematch-ups.
The U-18’s began the weekendwith a 2-2 draw against the Players Development Academy on Saturday, March 17. AhmedIsmail earned United’s first goal with an early header, while Damitola Adetolaburied the second goal in the 57th minute with an assist by CollinMartin. Despite the draw, United’s U-18 side displayed a solid performance andwas able to dominate play throughout the match.
“This was our best performanceof the year,” said United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “Although we weren’table to secure the deserved three points, there were a number of positives thatwe can take from this match, both at the individual and team level.”
The U-18’s faced the New YorkRed Bulls on Sunday, in a match that saw United fall 0-2 against the classicrival. In a truly competitive contest, the Red Bulls were able to secure thevictory with a late goal in each half.
United’s U-16 side fell 1-2against the Players Development Academy on Saturday. Michael Seaton scoredUnited’s lone goal in a close match that was decided in the last ten minutes.
“The team played well and hadseveral quality moments,” said United U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “For thesecond week, the group played quality soccer but was unfortunate on thefinishing end as well as conceding against the run of play.”
The U-16’s suffered a 2-5loss against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday. United came close to tying thematch in the second half with goals from Ian Harkes and Michael Seaton, makingit 2-3, but NY was able to score two late tallies in the end.
