D.C. United announced today that its U-17 Academy side will kickoff the Generation adidas MLS Cup against Columbus Crew on July 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The U-17 tournament includes youth teams from sixteen MLS Academies and will take place July 25-31 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
Following its match against Columbus’ U-17 side, the Black-and-Red will continue group play against Houston Dynamo on July 26 and San Jose Earthquakes on July 28. United will look to improve on past success entering the tournament as defending champions, as United has won three of the past four additions of the Generation adidas Cup (formerly SUM Cup).
D.C. United’s U-15 Academy side will also start tournament group play later this week against Chivas USA on July 27 at 9:30 a.m. ET. The U-15 side of the tournament features eight youth teams from various MLS Development Academies.
On Saturday, July 23 D.C. United’s U-23 Academy side completed its summer season with a 2-1 win at Chattanooga FC. In front of a crowd of nearly 2,000 people, D.C. United legend Jaime Moreno coached his team to victory, capping off a successful inaugural season for the newly-formed U-23 side. United’s U-23’s went 4-0-2 on the season.
“The program was very positive because we had the chance of watching players that have the potential to get to the next level,” said U-23 Head Coach Jaime Moreno. “Several players were able to experience training with the first team. I really liked the group that was formed; the guys worked very hard and supported each other. I hope I can help them fulfill their dream of playing professionally in the future.”
D.C. saw its first goal come in the final minutes of the first half, as United forward Erwin “Junior” Sanchez buried a perfectly placed shot under the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Thomas Hunter. United’s Michael Funes followed with a goal of his own in the 74th minute off a corner kick. Chattanooga finally managed to find it’s way onto the scoreboard in the 86th minute, but United was able to hold on and close out the summer session with a 2-1 victory.
