Four D.C. United Academy teams opened up their spring season this past weekend logging a 2-1-1 record. The U15s, U16s and U18s faced New Jersey club PDA (Players Development Academy) and the U12s battled Bethesda SC Blue.
This weekend the U16s and U18s will travel to Everton FC Westchester in Purchase, N.Y., as the U12s and U15s have the weekend off.
U12s: 2-1 loss against Bethesda Blue
Goal: Juston Rainey [53’]
“The group was excited to get going after a long winter break,” said United U12 Head Coach David Sanford. “It was a great match with two quality sides. We had some good sequences of possession and the competitive spirit was evident within the unit.”
U15s: 1-1 tie against Players Development Academy
Goal: Derin Kokuuslu [75’]
“It was a good early test for the group versus the league leaders,” said United U15 and U18 Head Coach Tom Torres. “The boys were under a lot of pressure in the first half and dealt with it well. With the momentum shifting in the second, the boys were outstanding, but just unfortunate to give up the tying penalty in the final ten minutes.”
U16s: 4-0 win over Players Development Academy
Goals: Carson Jeffris [4’], Brandon Williamson [30’], Raheem Lawal [42’], Maxwell Edwards [61’]
"We are proud of the way the spring has started for this group, it was a goal for us to start on the front foot as we head into a crucial period in our season,” said United U16 Head Coach Jonathan Frias. “After a sloppy first half in which we were able to get on the score sheet twice, the boys did well to manage the pressure PDA began with in the second half and finished off the match with two great goals. We were pleased to keep a clean sheet and our collective defensive shape was the major positive of this match. Heading into this weekend, the focus in training will be securing the ball in our possession to build more of a rhythm in our play and defending actively when we have the ball."
U18s: 5-1 win over Players Development Academy
Goals: Jorge Calix [15’], Lucas Mendes [46’], Eryk Williamson [Hat Trick 27’, 51’, 88’]
“It was a solid opening to the spring portion of the season versus a strong and lively opponent,” said United U15 and U18 Head Coach Tom Torres. “The boys did a great job of weathering PDA’s initial attacks with some stingy defense. Our midfield unit was able to gain valuable possession for long bouts and the forward unit was dangerous. Overall, it was a positive start and we will look to keep the boys grounded in training and keep their work rates high.”
