Friday the 13th wasn’t too unlucky for the young Black-and-Red. The D.C. United U-14s opened their Development Academy Showcase weekend against BW Gottschee Friday morning. From the opening touch, United dominated play and created many chances, though were intially unable to convert . John Eberle broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute after Gottschee’s goalkeeper deflected a shot from Chandler Vaughn. Despite several shots on goal, a stellar first half performance from Gottschee’s ‘keeper held United to a one-goal lead heading into half time.
The second half started a bit more physically than the first. Both teams battled hard, and United was rewarded several free kicks in dangerous areas. DCU’s second goal came from a set piece when Chris Durkin floated the ball into the penalty area and Andrew Nicholas volleyed it home after it bounced around in the penalty area. The Black-and-Red went ahead 2-0 in the 43rd, but couldn’t hold on to a surging BW Gottschee, who scored two goals in the last ten minutes, tying United 2-2.
United will play its second game of the U-14 Development Academy Showcase on Saturday, June 14 against Los Angles Futbol Academy at 10:00 a.m.
Grand Park Sports Comlpex, a sprawling 400-acre facility with 31 soccer fields in Westfield, IN., is hosting the U-14 USSDA showcase, as well as the U-16 and U18 playoffs, beginning June 22.
Photos from the entire Showcase can be found athere. Follow @DCUyouth on Twitter for updates throughout the tournament.
Box Score
Goals: John Eberle (Chandler Vaughn) [22] and Andrew Nicholas (Chris Durking) [43]
Starting XI: Luke Campbell, Alexis Cerritos, Chris Durkin, John Eberle, Kyle Frye, Derin Kokuuslu, Andrew Nicholas, Luis Rodriguez-Luna, Chandler Vaughn, Jacob Velvel and Andrew Villanueva
