D.C. United Academy Update - October 9

Washington D.C. (October 9, 2012) – D.C. United’s U-18 and U-16 Academy teams had a very strong weekend with both teams winning comfortably against local rivals, the Richmond Kickers. The U-18 Academy team moved to 3-1-1 on the year with a 3-1 win while the hot U-16 Academy team moved to 5-0 with a resounding 7-2 win. Both games were played at Prince George’s Community College.

U-18 Recap:
D.C. United’s U-18 Academy team looked to bounce back after a tie last weekend as they hosted the Richmond Kickers for a matchup at Prince George’s Community College on Saturday. The match was heavy on attacking from D.C. United in route to its 3-1 victory.

Just ten minutes into the match, Abdi Yusuf (Herndon, Va./Herndon HS) earned a penalty but he failed to convert. Just minutes later, Denis Najar (Alexandria, Va.), younger brother of First Team starter and academy product Andy Najar, earned a penalty and converted to make the score 1-0. D.C. United went up 2-0 when Cristhyan Najar (Alexandria, Va.) made a penetrating run from centerback and finished smoothly with a ball to the far post. Jorge Calix (Ft. Washington, Md./St. Stephens Episcopal HS) closed out the first half with United’s third and final goal of the game. There were numerous other chances and United could have scored more goals as Nigel Robinson (Woodbridge, Va./Forest Park HS) and Kainoa Bailey (The Learning Community International) were both very dangerous going forward.

“We had some strong moments and strong individual performances in the match and we were pleased to convert three goals in the first half,” said Nolan Sheldon, head coach of D.C. United’s U-18 Academy team. “However, we still believe this team is capable of a stronger performance and we will continue to work to improve this week in training.”

U-16 Recap:
D.C. United’s U-16 Academy team looked to continue its hot streak against the Richmond Kickers and did just that with a 7-2 win on Saturday at Prince George’s Community College.The U-16’s are now 5-0 on the season with the win.

While the score line indicated something different, the first half of play was very tight, with Richmond going up 1-0 to begin the match. D.C. United managed to score two goals before the break to go up 2-1. In the second half, the Black-and-Red academy turned up the pressure and scored five goals before conceding a free kick goal in the last ten minutes of the match.

“We were happy that the attacking group showed some quality combination play in the second half,” said Tom Torres, head coach of D.C. United’s U-16 Academy team. “While our defensive group was not tested for long spurts, there were some concerns that we will need to address as we move into some competitive local games against Baltimore and Potomac. Overall, through the first five matches, we are happy with the potential of this group.”

Both academy teams will be in action again this weekend when they host the Baltimore Bays at Prince George’s Community College.