Washington D.C. (Nov. 26, 2013)—All three teams ended the first half of regular season play with multiple goal victories against the Richmond Strikers.
The U-18s (6-2-3) defeated the Strikers 2-0 this weekend thanks to a brace from forward Julian Cummings (Fredericksburg, Va.; McLean Youth Soccer Association). The score remained tied 0-0 until the 60th minute when Cummings notched his first goal assisted by Adam Burnaby-Atkins (Washington, D.C.; Potomac Soccer Association). Minutes later, Josh Golob (Potomac, Md.; Potomac Soccer Association) cleared a Strikers shot off the goal line to preserve the 1-0 lead for the Black-and-Red. Cummings scored again in the 80th minute, assisted by Jorge Calix (Alexandria, Va.; Team America), to give United the 2-0 win.
“Today was a strong performance against a competitive team,” said D.C. United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “Julian Cummings finished well on both of his goals, and the collective group did well to maintain a clean sheet. The team has had a string of good results, and we’ll look to maintain that momentum into the Winter Showcase.”
The U-16s (4-3-4) scored eight goals in their shutout victory over the Strikers. In the first half Liam Hoen-Beck (Vienna, Va.; Vienna Youth Soccer) scored two goals and Jose Carranza (Manassas, Va.; North Virginia Soccer Club) netted one to give the Black-and-Red an early 3-0 lead. Christophe Koffi (Potomac, Md.; Team America) added two goals in the second half, while Owen Marshall (Bethesda, Md.; DC Stoddert), Kyle Brathwaite (Davidsonville, Md.; Carolina Rapids) and Hristo Bustamante (Alexandria, Va.; Braddock Road Youth Club) each added one goal apiece. Goalkeeper Zachary McMurrer (Woodbridge, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) kept a clean sheet for United en route to the 8-0 victory.
“We were happy that the boys put together a strong offensive showing,” said D.C. United U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “The finishing was great, but the build up and combination play that lead to the goals was the most rewarding. The boys will get a much-deserved break this week and begin preparation for Sarasota.”
The U-14s (9-2-1) ended the fist half of the regular season with a 5-2 victory thanks to an Alexis Cerritos (Beltsville, Md.; Cerritos Academy) hat trick. Cerritos and Julius Lansiquot (Bowie, Md.; Fewster FC) both scored late in the first half to give United a 2-0 lead heading into the break. Cerritos scored his second goal in the 43rd minute to put the Black-and-Red up 3-0, but the Strikers came back and scored two goals, within minutes of each other, to make it 3-2. Cerritos completed his hat trick in the 65th minute while Andres Villanueva (Woodbridge, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) added one more goal to make the final score 5-2.
“After a slow start in tough playing conditions, we were able to open up the game with two quick goals before halftime,” said D.C. United U-14 Head Coach Jonathan Frias. “It was a good opportunity to rotate our squad and give some players some decent minutes. Now we are looking forward to our offseason fustal program.”
The D.C. United U-14s have completed the first half of the season and will not play another USSDA game until March 1. The U-16s and U-18s will travel to the Developmental Academy Winter Showcase in Sarasota, Fla., Dec. 11-15 and play three games each.
National Team Update:
D.C. United U-16 player Jose Carranza (Manassas, Va.; North Virginia Soccer Club) has been called in again by the U-15 Boys National Team, while teammate Trey Vinson (Manassas, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) has been invited to play in the U15/16 Academy Select squad during the Developmental Academy Winter Showcase event Dec. 11-15 at the Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
“As a club and staff, we are always excited and proud to see our players recognized by U.S. Soccer for their on-field performances,” said D.C. United Manager of Youth Development Steve Olivarez. “Both Jose and Trey are very deserving of their respective invites and we wish them the best of luck!”
Carranza is one of 18 players to be called in to the BNT camp that will take place during the Winter Showcase. The U-15 BNT will play three games during the event on Dec. 12, 13 and 15 against the U15/16 New York Red Bulls, De Anza Force and Weston FC, respectively.
Vinson has been selected to participate in the U-15/U16 Select squad game that will take place on Dec. 12 against another Select academy squad. U.S. Soccer technical advisors have formed four elite teams from players across to country to identify and evaluate players. Vinson, a defender for the D.C. United U-16 team, will also play with D.C. United at the showcase.
