The D.C. United U-18s and U-16s both defeated regional rival FC DELCO over the weekend to improve their respective records in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) league. Additionaly, 16 D.C. United Academy and Pre-Academy players were invited to the U.S. Soccer Training Center in Germantown, Md., on April 17.
After leading at halftime 1-0 courtesy of a Jorge Calix (Alexandria, Va.; Team American Premier) strike, the U-18s (13-5-2) would go on to claim a 4-3 victory over FC DELCO (9-8-3). Ian Harkes (Fairfax, Va.; Herndon Youth Soccer) gave D.C. United a 2-0 lead in the 49th minute, but DELCO answered quickly two minutes later to cut its deficit in half. In the 68th minute, FC DELCO tied it up at 2-2, but Nigel Robinson (Woodbridge, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) would notch a brace to make it 4-2. In the waning moments of play, DELCO added a consolation goal and the match ended 4-3.
"We had excellent attacking movement in the first half and very strong performances from Calix, [Michael] Sauers (Glen Arm, Md.; Baltimore Bays Chelsea), Harkes and Robinson,” said U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “Although our level dropped off in the second half, the team showed great resolve to battle back and earn three points against a very competitive FC DELCO team.”
In another high-scoring USSDA game, the D.C. United U-16s (14-2-4) buried FC DELCO (11-7-2) 5-3. Nate Abraham (Arlington, Va.; D.C. United Pre-Academy / Arlington Soccer Association) opened the Black-and-Red’s scoring account with a header off of a corner kick from Gerson Umana (Lorton, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.). Umana netted the second goal and would go on to notch a hat trick in the match. United’s other goalscorer, Michael Monahan (Falls Church, Va.; D.C. United Pre-Academy / McLean Youth Soccer Association), put one away after going one-on-one with the DELCO goalkeeper. The U-16s lead 3-2 at halftime and never trailed in the match, finishing the game off with a 5-3 scoreline. United’s performance exhibited strong play in the midfield and fantastic set-up work from Christophe Koffi (Potomac, Md.; Team America Premier).
“We were happy that the boys put together a complete performance,” said U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “The previous week, we had trouble finishing our chances and also gave up some chances. This week, versus an equally quality opponent, we attacked and defended with purpose and the players excelled in their roles. We can address the set piece issues, but in the run of play, they were dominant on both sides of the ball.”
Lastly, the following D.C. United Academy and Pre-Academy players were invited to the U.S. Soccer Training Center in Germantown, Md., on April 17: Fola Adetola (Bowie, Md.; Freestate Soccer Alliance), Jonathon Bell (Potomac, Md.; Montgomery Soccer Club), Lance Dasilva (Spotsylvania, Va.; Richmond Strikers), Christophe Koffi, Milton Juarez (Woodbridge, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.), Zach McMurrer (Woodbridge, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.), Miles Robinson (Woodbridge, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.), Jonathon Sousa (Frederick, Md.; Calverton Soccer Club), Gerson Umana, Trey Vinson (Manassas, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.), Brandon Williamson (Potomac, Md.; Team America Premier) [97/98] and Jose Carranza (Manassas, Va.; Northern Virginia Soccer Club), Chris Durkin (Glen Allen, Va.; Richmond Kickers), Derrin Kokuuslu (Falls Church, Va.; Annandale Boys and Girls Club), Julius Lansiquot (Bowie, Md.; Cerritos Academy) and Andrew Nicholas (Nokesville, Va.; Northern Virginia Soccer Club) [99/00].
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