D.C. United today announced that the club has formed a partnership with the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) side Federal City FC. With this agreement, the D.C. United U-23 Academy team will compete in the NPSL’s Southeast Conference in the summer of 2013.
"We are pleased to have our U-23 team competing in the NPSL during the summer of 2013,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “This will provide a meaningful competition to enhance the summer experience for both our returning college Academy players and for talented college players from across the country.”
“We are excited to begin our partnership with one of the most successful and recognizable MLS brands, D.C. United,” said President and General Manager of Federal City FC Steven Wagoner. “Our agreement compliments both clubs by giving top college players development and exposure opportunities through our NPSL First Team and ultimately, Major League Soccer with D.C. United. It will also help expose local Washington D.C., Metro talent at the U6-U18 age groups through academy programs and clinics, giving players exclusive opportunities with both Federal City FC and D.C. United. This is a exciting opportunity for our players that have the skill, work ethic and aspirations to play NCAA I college and/or professional soccer."
With a pool of 28 players, the U-23 squad will feature D.C. United Academy alumni as well as top collegiate, international and domestic players. The NPSL campaign will commence on May 17 for the Black-and-Red as the U-23s prepare to take on RVA FC and the season will conclude on July 6, with playoffs set in July as well. Led by D.C. United legend and U-23 Head Coach Jaime Moreno, the team will play a total of eight regular-season matches and will be under the helm of one of the most accomplished players in MLS history. Moreno will also be assisted by United U-18 and U-16 Academy Head Coaches Nolan Sheldon and Tom Torres, respectively.
“We are very excited about our new partnership with Federal City FC and the NPSL," said Moreno. “This will be an important opportunity for our U-23 players to participate in competitive matches and further develop their play.”
Open tryouts for the U-23s will occur in May; those that are interested should visit www.dcunited.com
for more information. For a full schedule of U-23 matches in the NPSL, see below:
U-23 Academy’s Schedule in NPSL
May 17 RVA FC (site TBD)
May 24 CASL Elite (site TBD)
May 31 Myrtle Beach FC (site TBD)
June 8 @ Myrtle Beach FC (Myrtle Beach, SC)
June 14 Chesterfield United FC (site TBD)
June 21 @ RVA FC (Richmond, Va.)
June 29 @ Chesterfield United FC (Richmond, Va.)
July 6 @ CASL Elite (Raleigh, NC)
