Midfielder Eryk Williamson and defender Chandler Vaughn have been called in to their respective National Team’s training camps. Williamson will join the Under-18 Men's National Team in Marbella, Spain, from Dec. 11-20, when it plays two friendly matches against the U-18 German National Team. Vaughn will join the U-15 Boy’s National Team in Bradenton, Fla., from Dec 13-20. This is the second U.S. Youth National Team selection for both players with the specified age groups.
"We are excited for Chandler and Eryk - both players have worked extremely hard and are deserving of this opportunity,” said D.C. United Academy Director, Nolan Sheldon.
Williamson, a student at T.C. Williams High School, joined the Academy this past summer, making an immediate impact. In week two of the fall season, he was named to the Potomac Soccer Wire Development Academy Best 11 list – highlighting the top Academy players in the Potomac region. As a quick mainstay in the midfield position, the Alexandria, Va., native led the U-18 team in goals scored, with ten, starting all of the 11 games in which he featured.
Prior to his time with the Black-and-Red, Williamson played for Arlington Soccer Association (ASA), one of United’s seven affiliate club partners that help D.C. United identify and develop the region’s top youth talent. Williamson’s noteworthy performance on the pitch is a direct reflection of the ASA’s work in the beneficial partnership.
“We are extremely proud and excited by Eryk’s accomplishment,” said Director of Arlington Soccer Association, German Peri. “The Affiliation program has really given us an opportunity to showcase the talent at our club. Our younger players look up to Eryk and he has provided them with a pathway to play at the biggest stage. These accomplishments give ASA the reassurance that our goals with player development are heading in the right direction.”
After extensive experience with the U-14 National Team, Vaughn received his first call-up to the U-15 U.S. National Team camp in August. The standout defender joined the squad at the Stubhub Center in Carson, Calif., from Aug. 16-24. During regular season play with D.C. United, Vaughn featured in 11 games, starting ten.
D.C. United Academy Players [Name (Hometown; Previous Club)]
Eryk Williamson (Alexandria, Va.; Arlington Soccer Association)
Chandler Vaughn (Woodbridge, Va.; PWSI)
