Seven D.C. United Academy players will meet in the NCAA College Cup Semifinals on Friday, Dec. 13 in Philadelphia, Pa. at PPL Park. Maryland players Sulianman Dainkeh, Mikias Eticha, Cody Neidermeier and Michael Sauers will play against former D.C. United Academy teammates Patrick Foss, Kevin McBride and Marcus Salandy-Defour of Virginia.
Both Virginia and Maryland advanced to the College Cup Semifinals after winning their quarterfinal games. The Virginia Cavaliers won 2-1 against Connecticut in a wet and rainy match at Klockner Stadium on Friday, Dec. 6. The Maryland Terrapins traveled to Edwards Stadium in California to play the University of California on Saturday, Dec. 7. The Terps were tied 1-1 with Cal until the 86th minute when D.C. United Academy alum Mikias Eticha found fellow D.C. alum Michael Sauers for the winning goal.
Sauers’ game winner propelled Maryland into the semifinal where they will face familiar ACC opponent Virginia. The two teams have met twice before this season. They tied during the regular season and Maryland defeated UVA in the ACC Championship game just a few weeks ago.
Regardless of who wins this pivotal NCAA College Cup Semifinal, D.C. United Academy is well represented by these seven players. Although not all seven alums will advance to play in the College Cup Final, D.C. United will have a presence.
