Washington D.C. (Nov. 12, 2013)—The D.C. United Academy teams traveled to Manheim, Pa. to play the PA Classics this past weekend. The U-18s and U-16s came away with draws, while the U-14s continued their winning streak.
The U-18s (4-2-3) recorded another draw this weekend when they tied the PA Classics 2-2. The Black-and-Red went down 2-0 in the first half against a determined Classics team. Graydon Hester (Middleburg, Va.; Lee-Mt Vernon Soccer Club) scored first for United off a Jorge Calix (Alexandria Va.; Team America) corner in the 55th minute to bring the score to 2-1. Bashir Hooper (Gainesville, Va.; Mclean Youth Soccer Association) was brought down in the penalty area in the 71st minute and Calix converted the penalty to level the score. Goalkeeper James Knoebel (Warrenton, Va.; Mclean Youth Soccer Association) blocked a pointblank shot in the 92nd minute to preserve the 2-2 tie for United.
“To come back from two goals at half shows a lot of character from this group,” said D.C. United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “The game was played at a high level. Despite not getting the result we had hoped for, it was a good match on a number of levels.”
The U-16s (3-2-4) played the PA Classics to a scoreless draw this weekend. The blustery weather conditions, physical play and staunch defensive efforts made this game an offensive stalemate.
“The boys did a great job of managing the elements and a dangerous PA Classics team,” said D.C. United U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “Defensively, the back four and keeper were stingy and well organized. The attacking units were unfortunate to not finish their opportunities, so we will plan to spend some time there in training. Overall, the boys continue to improve their style of play each week.”
The U-14s (8-0-1) came back to DC with a 4-0 win to continue their seven-game winning streak. SahrFelix Sandy (Woodbridge, Va.; North Virginia Soccer Club) and Alexis Cerritos (Beltsville, Md.; Cerritos Academy), both assisted by Andrew Nicolas (Nokesville, Va.; North Virginia Soccer Club), scored two goals in the first half to put D.C. United up 2-0. In the second half, Andres Villanueva (Woodbridge, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) and Jacob Williams (Severn, Md.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) added two more goals to give the Black-and-Red a 4-0 victory.
“The first 20 minutes they pressured high and were very organized in transition against us,” said D.C. United U-14 Head Coach Jonathan Frias. “The group had to work hard to minimize the counter and did well to finish a few chances in the first half. The boys had a very good second half and opened up the game. It was a good result going into this weekend’s showcase event in North Carolina.”
The D.C. United U-18s and U-16s will continue their USSDA seasons on Nov. 17 against Match Fit Chelsea in West Windsor, N.J. at Mercer County Community College. The U-18s play at 12 p.m. and the U-16s will follow at 2 p.m. The U-14s will be traveling to Advance, N.C., to play in the U.S. Soccer Eastern Regional Event at BB&T Soccer Park. They will play against Georgia United at 8:45 a.m. on Nov. 16 and the New England Revolution at 11 a.m. on Nov. 17.
