D.C. United USL Affiliate Richmond Kickers Clinch Regular Season Championship

TAMPA, Fla. – The Richmond Kickers claimed the 2013 USL PRO Regular Season Championship on Wednesday night as they took a 2-0 victory against Orlando City at City Stadium. The victory gave Richmond the No. 1 seed for the upcoming USL PRO Playoffs, and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

Meanwhile, in the battle for the final playoff position, the Wilmington Hammerheads kept their improbable playoff hopes alive as a late surge earned a 4-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Legion Stadium. The win moved Wilmington above VSI Tampa Bay FC into ninth position in the standings, just one point behind the Dayton Dutch Lions going to the final game of the season.

Richmond’s victory was keyed by veteran forward Matt Delicâte, who scored both goals in the Kickers’ victory. The club’s all-time leading scorer struck five minutes apart off assists by Joseph Ngwenya and Houston Dynamo loanee Brian Ownby. Orlando had chances to come back into the game in the second half, but a missed penalty by Kevin Molino and some outstanding goalkeeping by Andrew Dykstra, on loan from D.C. United, preserved the Kickers’ victory and the regular season championship.

Wilmington scored three goals in the final 15 minutes to get past the Riverhounds, who had taken an early lead on Jose Angulo’s 14^th goal of the season. The Hammerheads got back on even terms before the halftime break through Kyle Greig, however, and then put in a late push to take victory. Steven Perry scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 76^th minute, and that was followed by finishes by Bryce Taylor and Cody Arnoux to seal victory.

The Hammerheads still need help if they are to advance to the postseason, with the Dayton Dutch Lions still in control of the final playoff position. Should Dayton take victory against Harrisburg on Saturday night, the Dutch Lions would earn their first playoff berth in club history. Should Harrisburg either draw, or take victory, against the Dutch Lions, the Hammerheads would jump into eighth position with a victory against Antigua Barracuda FC. VSI Tampa Bay remains alive, but would need to take victory against Charlotte on Friday night, and have Harrisburg defeat Dayton and Wilmington draw with Antigua on Saturday to advance to the postseason.

Stay up to date with all of the action in the final week of the USL PRO regular season through the league’s free online streaming service, USLNation.com, and also follow the race for the playoffs via Twitter (@USLPRO), Facebook and Google+ for live updates from every game, plus news, previews and recaps of all the action.

D.C. United to Host Open Practice/Coaches Clinic

D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen addresses youth coaches

D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen is opening up a practice this month to area youth coaches. Participants will observe the first team's training session and than hear form Coach Olsen, before participating in a coaching clinic lead by Assistant Coaches Chad Ashton and Preston Burpo.

Event Details:

When: Friday, August 23, 2013 – 9:00 a.m.*

Where: RFK Stadium – 2400 E. Capitol St. SE Washington D.C., 20003

Cost: The event is free for all youth coaches. The event is not appropriate for youth soccer players.

Click Here to Register

Dero hat-trick leads D.C. past Philly, United advance to Quarterfinal of U.S. Open Cup

Not much has gone right for D.C. United so far in 2013. United are currently in dead last in the MLS Eastern Conference and have only one win the entire season (1-10-3). Last night however former MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario gave fans of the Black-and-Red reason to cheer. Dero netted a hat-trick and helped D.C. defeat rival Philadelphia to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.



Washington D.C. (June 12, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that the club will host the New England Revolution in the quarterfinals of the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The match will take place at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md., on Wednesday, June 26 at 7 p.m. D.C. United advanced to the quarterfinal round by defeating the Philadelphia Union 3-1, courtesy of a Dwayne De Rosario hat trick tonight. New England claimed victory over its fourth-round opponent the New York Red Bulls by a score of 4-2.

Video:: US Open Cup 3rd Round Preview

Will D.C. United continue to struggle this season by losing to the Richmond Kickers in tonight's third round US Open Cup action?

The Richmond Kickers host Major League Soccer’s D.C. United in the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, May 28, presented by Chicken Fiesta.  The gates open at City Stadium at 6:00 p.m. with food trucks, draft beer trucks and live music from The Fender Benders and kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are on sale now for $15, youth and adult, at RichmondKickers.com.  The winner of Tuesday’s match will host the winner of the Philadelphia Union (MLS)/Ocean City Nor’easters (PDL) game in the Fourth Round on Wednesday, June 12.
 

D.C. United announce u12 Pre-Academy tryouts

D.C. United to hold tryouts for newly formed U-12 Pre-Academy team, as well as for U-13s and U-15s

United searching for preeminent Pre-Academy talent ahead of 2013 fall season

Washington D.C. (April 26, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that it will be holding tryouts for its newly formed U-12 Pre-Academy side, as well as its U-13 and U-15 Pre-Academy teams. The U-12 squad will serve as a feeder system for the U-14, U-16 and U-18 Academy teams and will ultimately carve a path for players to become part of D.C. United’s First Team. D.C. United’s Pre-Academy system aims to provide its members with intensive, more frequent training sessions (3-4 times per week) with an added competitive element, while offering the opportunity for young players to connect with D.C. United’s local professional team. The U-12s will compete in the Pre-Academy league, as well as local leagues, MLS events, elite tournaments and matches with affiliate clubs.

“While identifying players is a priority, it is only a small part of what we do,” said D.C. United’s Director of Youth Development Sonny Silooy. “The bigger part is to develop the identified talented players to reach the First Team. Our system has also proven that our Academy players will succeed in the next step of top-level colleges. Moving to the U-12 age group is the natural progression so that we can train and develop players for a longer period of time.”

The Lonely Position - Watch and Learn

I think back to me as a 9 or 10 year old growing up in Sunny Braintree!

1. Did i have a goalkeeper coach..... Nope....
2. Did i have Sky Sports (Cable TV)... Nope...
3. Did i have season tickets to a Premier League Club...Nope
4. "You tube" and the internet where most certainly not on the scene yet!

Well what did i have??

Anyone who ever grew up or has spent time in the UK will most certainly heard of "Match Of The Day" for those who have not it is a Football/Soccer highlight show that is shown every Saturday night with highlights from all of the Premier League games.

Each Saturday night i would record it on VCR and watch it on a Sunday Morning before i went off to play for my team!

Any spare time i had i would be at the park with my friends we would turn our bikes upside down and use them as goal posts and we would each be our favorite player.

I was lucky to grow up around some of the best keepers Seamen, Schmeichel, Kahn, Southall, Miklosko.

And looking back, watching these guys is how i learnt the trade! how do they move, how do they dive, are they vocal.

Euro 96 - David Seamen Penalty saves he would always step one way and go the other! i remember practicing this with my mates over the park,
Peter Schmeichel after making a huge save would always then go and scream at his defenders! Again something i would do!

So enough about my childhood and all that jazz what is my point...

If you coach a youth team in America go to your goalkeeper and ask them name me 5 players that play your position... here will be there answer Casillas, Howard, Cech, De Gea maybe Valdez. You watch them struggle to name 5!

Even harder is if you coach a girls team... name me 5 Female Goalkeepers? they will name you one...Hope Solo, that will be the extent of their knowledge.

Next question how did they do in their last game?? silence.....errr i dunnooo??

How do these kids expect to become as good as these athletes if they do not watch how they move or the way they deal with situations.

And i hear all the excuses.. we don't have Fox Soccer, We can't get to the games, I can't afford the tickets.

Go to a high school Varsity game and watch, Some of us are lucky to have a college team near us to go watch even better a pro team and the Goalkeepers that i coach should have no excuse with DC United, Washington Spirit, George Mason University, Georgetown University to name a few less then a hours drive away.

If you play the sport and aspire to go far within that sport WATCH THE GAME and try to understand why these players are doing certain things.

If your Son or Daughter plays Soccer and they want a Xbox for their Birthday or a Bike, Get them a ticket to a Soccer Game instead with a Jersey and a players name on the back then watch how excited they get from that experience.

Saturday the Washington Spirit we had our Home Opener with over 4500 people packing the SoccerPlex many of those young Soccer Players- Great to See!
I hope these girls could go home and name at least 3 players from each team or at least 3 players that play in positions they play.

Ok so you cant get to a game, i cant remember the last time i met someone who doesn't have the internet its a part of our life now....food,water,internet!
So get onto youtube with your young goalkeepers or email the Goalkeeper from your team links to "Great saves" videos or "goalkeeper training" videos GET THEM INSPIRED!

Anyone coming to a Spirit game the players always sign autographs and talk to the fans after the game. All you with young female goalkeepers come watch and learn from Ashlyn and Chantel both of them are not only great goalkeepers but great role models for up and coming Female Goalkeepers.

I know i talk about the Spirit a lot over my last few blogs and it is because i know and see it first hand how great the two GKs are that i work with and how young female goalkeepers can benefit from watching and interacting with them.

Would love to hear your feedback on the blog feel free to tweet me @GKeepersUnited, again thanks for taking time to read my thoughts!


The Lonely Position - Voodoo Goalkeepers!

The Lonely Position - "It's Good To Talk"

Former D.C. United striker Ngwenya scores in Kickers 4-1 win over Rhinos

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Kickers earned three points Saturday night with a dramatic 4-1 win over the Rochester Rhinos. A crowd of 2,270 saw a pair of red card ejections in between a barrage of goals as Rochester was forced to play two-men down after earning an early lead on a Matt Luzunaris tally. The Kickers retaliated with four unanswered goals as Mike Callahan, Joseph Ngwenya, Jason Yeisley and Stanley Nyazamba led the Kickers to their second consecutive victory at City Stadium.

The Rhinos claimed the lead inside the first three minutes of the opening whistle when Luzunaris stole the ball at midfield and carried it down the left wing on a breakaway, taking on Kickers goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra 1v1. As Dykstra charged off his line to challenge the streaking forward, Luzunaris swiftly drove a low ball into the far right corner.

Searching for the equalizer six minutes later, defender Sascha Görres threaded the ball through a crowded midfield, connecting with Brian Ownby who served a long ball over the Rhinos back line to find Nate Robinson deep on the left flank. The Kickers newcomer delivered the ball to the far post, finding Jason Yeisley in the air but the forward’s header soared just wide.

D.C. United Legend and u23 coach Jaime Moreno searching for additional players, tryouts announced

D.C. United’s U-23 team’s tryouts open for registration

Jaime Moreno searching for additional talent on April 19, April 26 and May 3 for the U-23 squad’s upcoming NPSL season

               

Washington, D.C. (April 9, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that its U-23 team, which will compete in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in the summer, is holding tryouts on April 19, April 26, and May 3. D.C. United legend and U-23 Head Coach Jaime Moreno will lead the trial sessions in search of top collegiate, international and domestic players. Moreno will be assisted by United’s U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon and the U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. Each session will take place at the RFK auxiliary turf field from 3-4:30p.m. Partnering with NPSL side Federal City FC, the U-23’s will begin its NPSL season on May 17 against RVA FC.

Below is all the information needed to participate in the U-23 team’s tryout:

Dates:              Friday, April 19, 2013

Friday, April 26, 2013

Friday, May 3, 2013

Time:               3:00 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Location:         RFK auxiliary turf field

What to Bring:  A white t-shirt, black shorts and black socks

                          ID for check in

Notes: 60 players per tryout

            Check-in will being 30 minutes prior to each session; please arrive on time.

            Players who arrive late will not be permitted to participate or receive a refund.

            If selected, players will join the 2012 U-23 team for the 2013 NPSL season.

           

International Players:  D.C. United cannot assist in securing a visa to participate on this team.

                                      D.C. United does not provide accommodations for this tryout.

To Register: Each player must complete the form, waiver and fee to secure a spot (no exceptions).

Six former D.C. United players are National Soccer Hall of Fame 2013 class nominees

Today U.S. Soccer released the full list of eligible players that can be voted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame as part of the 2013 class.

Six of the 22 players nominated have played for D.C. United during their soccer careers. Raul Diaz Arce (1996/97, 2000/01), Marco Etcheverry (1996-2003), Roy Lassiter (1998/99, 2002), Tony Sanneh (1996-98), and current United head coach Ben Olsen (1998-2009).

Other notable players include former William & Mary left back, Wade Barrett (1994-97) and UVA midfielder, Angela Hucles (1996-99).

United sign 20 year-old Indonesian midfielder, Syamsir Alam

Attacking 20 year-old will join the Black-and-Red from C.S. Visé of Belgium

Washington, D.C. (January 25, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that the club has signed 20 year-old Syamsir Alam on loan from Belgium side C.S. Visé. Alam hails from Jakarta, Indonesia where he has represented his country on several occasions from the U-11 level all the way up to the U-23 level. Before joining C.S. Vise, Alam played for Club Atlético Peñarol of the Uruguayan Primera División as well as spending time with Dutch sides SC Heerenveen and Vitesse Arnhem, both of the Dutch Eredivisie. Alam will be available for selection pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and visa.

“Syamsir is a young, attacking midfielder with good technical ability, and we look forward to having him on loan with us,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper.

Alam, who is a native of Jakarta, Indonesia, shares the same hometown as one of D.C. United’s new owners, Erick Thohir.

Name:                          Syamsir Alam
Height:                         5-8
Weight:                        148
Position:                       Midfielder/forward
Birthdate:                     July 6, 1992

Age:                             20

Birthplace:                   Jakarta, Indonesia
Previous Club:             C.S. Visé of Belgium

Acquired:                     Acquired on loan from C.S. Visé on January 25. 2013

United select UCLA midfielder Evan Raynr in second round of MLS Supplemental Draft

Washington, D.C. (January 22, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that the club has selected UCLA midfielder Evan Raynr with the 17th pick in the second round (36th overall selection) of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft. 

Hailing from Calabasas, Calif., Raynr made an immediate impact on a top-ranked UCLA squad, appearing in 18 games and tallying two goals and one assist as a freshman in 2009. The following season, Raynr featured in 22 games and notched three goals and three assists – two of which came in the second round of the NCAA tournament – en route to an Honorable Mention All-Pac-10 selection. Raynr’s junior campaign saw the midfielder dish out two assists in 23 matches and earn Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 accolades. As a senior in 2012, Raynr put together his best collegiate season, leading the Pac-12 with 10 assists and finishing fourth nationally in assists per game (0.63/game). In 16 appearances, the senior also netted three goals and was a Second Team All-Pac-12 honoree.

“Evan comes from a great program at UCLA,” said D.C. United Assistant Coach Chad Ashton. “He is a very dynamic and quick attacking player that we feel can fit into our system. We look forward to bringing him into camp and getting to see him closer.”

A California native, Raynr spent time in residency with the U.S. U-17 National Team and also saw time with the U-18s. In 2007, Raynr was selected as an NSCAA/adidas Youth All-American and was chosen as an NSCAA/adidas Youth All-Region IV honoree the following year. The midfielder played two seasons at Viewpoint High School and led the team to two league titles. Raynr also featured for Real SoCal and was twice awarded the Golden Boot when the club won successive national championships in 2006 and 2007.

Name: Evan Raynr

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-7

Weight: 150

Jersey: --

Date of birth: September 18, 1990

Age: 22

Hometown: Calabasas, Calif.

Citizenship: United States

College: UCLA

Acquired: Selected as the 36th overall pick in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft on January 22, 2013.

Maryland defender Taylor Kemp selected 17th by United in 2013 MLS SuperDraft

Olsen: We believe we took the best left back at the combine

Washington, D.C. (January 17, 2013) - D.C. United today announced that the club has selected University of Maryland defender Taylor Kemp with the 17th overall selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Kemp is United’s lone selection from today’s event in Indianapolis and will join fellow Terrapin Ethan White in the nation’s capital after a standout collegiate career where he bolstered Maryland’s defense at left fullback.

Hailing from Highlands Ranch, Colo., Kemp made an immediate impact on a top-ranked Maryland squad, starting in every match but one, adding two assists and contributing to nine shutouts as a freshman in 2009. At the end of his rookie campaign, Kemp was an All-ACC Freshman Team pick and a Soccer America All-Freshman Team selection. Breaking out during his sophomore year with 23 starts, one goal and four assists, Kemp was a part of a Terps backline that tied a program record for shutouts (15) in a season. During his junior campaign in 2011, the defender was an integral part of a stingy Maryland defense that allowed only 1.05 goals per game. Kemp also tallied one goal and four assists in 21 starts and would subsequently be named a Second Team All-ACC selection. As a senior captain in 2012, Kemp appeared in 12 games and added six assists en route to receiving Second Team All-ACC honors.

D.C. United, ABGC reach affiliate agreement with adidas

Washington, D.C. (January 8, 2013) – D.C. United and the Annandale Boys & Girls Club (ABGC) – in conjunction with adidas – today announced an affiliate agreement, the first of its kind between D.C. United and a club in the State of Virginia. Under the agreement, ABGC will be one of D.C. United’s primary sources in identifying and developing the top youth talent in Virginia. ABGC, along with United’s Academy, has already produced current D.C. United and U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Bill Hamid. United will share its coaching resources and will work with ABGC to follow its training curriculum and system of play. Top players in the ABGC system, identified by both D.C. United and ABGC, will have the opportunity to join the D.C. United Academy teams, with a strong priority being placed on the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 age groups.

“We are very excited that Annandale will be our first Virginia affiliate club,” said Sonny Silooy, D.C. United’s Director of Youth Development. “Annandale has proven that they are committed to helping players reach higher levels, like our Youth Development program is. They are one of the top clubs, if not the top club, in Northern Virginia when it comes to graduating players to Division I college programs, which we also boast some very high numbers. We have also been impressed with the mentality that all of the ABGC players seem to have when it comes to competing, especially that of homegrown goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who has recently been called up again to the U.S. Men’s National Team. That, for us, is very important when our Academy is preparing players for competitions and possible Reserve Team or First Team action.”

Former Edison High School Star, D.C. United defender Andy Najar on loan

Washington, D.C. (January 7, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that Andy Najar is now on loan with R.S.C. Anderlecht for the month of January, and will be available for selection during the timeframe. The Honduran international previously trained with the Belgian side during the month of December 2012.

“This is another very good opportunity for Andy to gain valuable experience with a top European club,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “We look forward to his return for the second half of our pre-season.” 

Najar, 19, had a fantastic third season with D.C. United, playing in 25 regular-season matches, starting 22, and notching four assists. The converted right fullback is a product of D.C. United’s Youth Academy, and became the second homegrown player to sign with the first team on March 22, 2010. That year, he went on to win the 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year award, as well as being named the 2010 D.C. United Volkswagen MVP. In his young, yet illustrious D.C. United career, Andy Najar has tallied 10 goals and 11 assists in the 82 MLS matches (72 starts) in which he has featured.  

Najar has made three appearances with the senior Honduras National Team and seven for the U-23s, including a run in the 2012 London Olympics in which the squad advanced to the quarterfinals. He earned his first cap for the country on Sept. 3, 2011 against Colombia at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.

United Goalkeeper Hamid called to U.S. Men's National Team camp

Bill Hamid called up to U.S. Men’s National Team for January camp and a friendly

Squad will face Canada on Jan. 29 in Houston, TX at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2

Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that Homegrown goalkeeper Bill Hamid has been called up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for training camp and a Jan. 29 friendly against Canada in Houston, TX at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The match, occurring at the end of the annual January camp, will open the team’s 2013 campaign and is the only game prior to the start of the Hexagonal Round of 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying.

United release 2013 preseason schedule

D.C. United announces 2013 preseason schedule

Black-and-Red to train in Florida ahead of 18^th MLS season

Washington, D.C. (January 3, 2013) – D.C. United today announced the club’s preliminary preseason schedule, as the team prepares for the 2013 Major League Soccer campaign. United begins its 18th MLS season with its first game on the road against the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, March 2 in a 2012 Eastern Conference Finals rematch. The kickoff time for the contest will be determined at a later date.

Players are set to report to RFK Stadium on Thursday, January 17 for physicals and fitness testing. The Black-and-Red begin training in Washington, D.C., the following two days before heading to Bradenton, Fla. While in Bradenton, the team will train at IMG Academy, and are confirmed to square off against Malmö FF (Sweden) on Friday, February 1 at 11:00 a.m.

                                                                                      

United re-sign defender Robbie Russell

Washington, D.C. (December 19, 2012) – +D.C. United  today announced that the club has re-signed veteran defender  Robbie Russell. Russell made 19 appearances (16 starts) and tallied a goal in the 2012 campaign, his first season with United. Per club and League policy, exact terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

“We are pleased that Robbie will return to United for the 2013 season,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “Robbie brings a wealth of experience and veteran leadership to our locker room, and we are pleased to have reached an agreement to bring him back,” continued Kasper.

photo credit: Tony Quinn

Russell, who was part of the 2009 MLS Cup Champions Real Salt Lake, has made 97 Major League Soccer appearances (84 starts), tallying two goals and assisting on nine others. In five MLS seasons, the defender has logged over 7,000 minutes. Prior to making the move to MLS, Russell spent time with Icelandic First Division side Breidablik (2000), Norwegian First Division clubs Sogndal I.L. (2001-04) and Rosenborg BK (2004-06), and Danish Superligaen (First Division) side Viborg FF (2006-08).

Name:                          Robbie Russell  
Height:                          6’2”
Weight:                         205
Number:                       3
Position:                        Defender 
Birthdate:                      07/16/1979
Birthplace:                    Accra, Ghana
Previous Club:               Real Salt Lake
Acquired:                      Acquired on 11/29/11 from Real Salt Lake in exchange for a 2013 MLS SuperDraft third-round selection.

2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic Schedule Released

The schedule has been announced for the 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic, which will open with a matchup between the Columbus Crew and Toronto Football Club on Saturday, February 9 at 1 p.m.

The six Major League Soccer (MLS) teams participating in Central Florida Soccer Spring Training, as well as Orlando City Soccer Club (USL) and the Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL), will compete in two weeks of group play, with Group A consisting of Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, Toronto Football Club and Columbus Crew. Teams in Group B will include the Tampa Bay Rowdies, D.C. United, Montreal Impact and Sporting Kansas City. All games will be played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.

Saturday, February 9, 2013:

1:00 p.m.: Columbus Crew vs. Toronto Football Club

3:00 p.m.: Montreal Impact vs. Sporting Kansas City

6:00 p.m.: Orlando City Soccer Club vs. Philadelphia Union

8:00 p.m.: D.C. United vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Wednesday, February 13, 2013:

1:00 p.m.: Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew

3:00 p.m.: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Montreal Impact

6:00 p.m.: Sporting Kansas City vs. D.C. United

8:00 p.m.: Toronto Football Club vs. Orlando City Soccer Club

Saturday, February 16, 2013:

1:00 p.m.: Montreal Impact vs. D.C. United

3:00 p.m.: Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto Football Club

6:00 p.m.: Orlando City Soccer Club vs. Columbus Crew

8:00 p.m.: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Sporting Kansas City

Pro Soccer Classic Championship Day – Saturday, February 23, 2013:

1:00 p.m.: Group A Fourth Place vs. Group B Fourth Place

3:00 p.m.: Group A Third Place vs. Group B Third Place

6:00 p.m.: Group A Second Place vs. Group B Second Place

8:00 p.m.: Group A First Place vs. Group B First Place

Travel packages are available that include lodging, Disney Pro Soccer Classic game tickets, attraction tickets and exclusive VIP experiences. Additionally, Soccer Spring Training will include a number of events aimed at increasing excitement for soccer in Central Florida, including a College Combine, International Trials and amateur soccer tournaments.

For more information about Central Florida Soccer Spring Training and to book a travel package, please visit www.SoccerSpringTraining.com or call the official travel provider, GET Travel, at 888-877-4445, option 3.   Central Florida Spring Training is sponsored by the State of Florida.

About CFSC: The Central Florida Sports Commission strategically solicits, creates and supports marquee sports-related events and businesses that enhance our community’s economy. The Sports Commission represents the counties of Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia, as well as the City of Orlando. The Sports Commission also produces sports-related programs for the residents of Central Florida including the Celebrity Mascot Games, the SPORTYS, Breakfast of Champions and the Daytona Beach Half Marathon. For more information, please visit www.centralfloridasports.org.

VIDEO: Nick DeLeon, D.C. United confident at RFK

via MLS YouTube:

D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen, midfielders Nick DeLeon & Perry Kitchen, defender Brandon McDonald and goalkeeper Bill Hamid preview Sunday's Eastern Conference Championship second leg against the Houston Dynamo.

D.C. United player Andy Najar called up by onduras for National Team duty

Washington D.C. (November 12, 2012) - D.C. United announced today that midfielder Andy Najar has been called up by the Honduras National Team for a November 14 friendly against Peru at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, TX at 7:30 p.m. Najar will join the Honduran Federation today.
      
Najar, 19, has had a fantastic third season with D.C. United, playing in 25 regular-season matches, starting 22, and notching four assists. The converted right fullback is a product of D.C. United’s Youth Academy, and was the second homegrown player to sign with the first team on March 22, 2010. That year, he went on to win the 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year award, as well as being named the 2010 D.C. United Volkswagen MVP. In his young, yet illustrious D.C. United career, Andy Najar has tallied 10 goals and 11 assists in the 82 MLS matches (72 starts) in which he has appeared.  

Najar has made two appearances with the senior Honduras National Team and seven for the U-23’s, including a run in the 2012 London Olympics in which the squad advanced to the quarterfinals. He earned his first cap for the country on September 3, 2011 against Colombia at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ.