D.C. United to compete in 2013 Disney Pro Soccer Classic

Between February 9-23, D.C. United will take part in the 2013 Walt Disney Pro Soccer Classic in Florida as the team prepares for the upcoming MLS season.

The participating teams are Sporting Kansas City, Toronto FC, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, DC United, Montreal Impact, Orlando City, Tampa Bay Rowdies.

D.C. United's teen sensation, Andy Najar, sold to Belgian club

Najar becomes MLS’ first homegrown player to permanently move to a European side

Andy Najar photo by Bo McMillan

Washington D.C. (January 30, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that defender/midfielder Andy Najar has been transferred to R.S.C. Anderlecht. Per team and League policy, the details of the deal were not disclosed. Najar became Major League Soccer’s first homegrown player to permanently move to a European side. Najar initially went on a training stint through the month of December before being loaned to the Belgian side for the month of January. The 19-year-old played 90 minutes in a January 11 friendly in a 4-2 victory against Dutch club SC Heracles Almelo and scored in a reserve match last week.

“It has been very rewarding to watch Andy grow and develop into becoming the special player that he is,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “This transfer is a testament to the hard work of our Academy staff, to Ben and his staff for their patience and vision, and to the MLS Homegrown Player initiative. We wish Andy all of the success in the world and we look forward to watching his career blossom. Looking ahead, we plan to focus on utilizing our resources and flexibility to continue to build our team.”

U.S. MNT start 2013 with scoreless draw against Canada

U.S. MNT KICKS OFF CENTENNIAL YEAR WITH SCORELESS DRAW
AGAINST CANADA AT BBVA COMPASS STADIUM IN HOUSTON

• Five U.S. Players Earn First Caps, Including Three of Four Starting Defenders
• USA Extends Unbeaten Streak to 16 Games Against Canada (8-0-8)
• U.S. MNT Opens Final Round of 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying on Feb. 6 Against Honduras in San Pedro Sula (3 p.m. CT Kickoff; Live Broadcast on beIN SPORT) 

HOUSTON (Jan. 29, 2013) - A young U.S. Men's National Team controlled the majority of the match against Canada but couldn't find the back of the net in a scoreless draw this evening at BBVA Compass Stadium in the first match of 2013. 

Jose Carranza, Nick Taitague named to roster for US Club Soccer’s 2013 id2 National Selection International Tour to Spain

Two club players from Virginia have been named to the 18 player US Club Soccer roster that will be competing in Spain. D.C. United Academy product, Jose Carranza, and FC Richmond's Nick Taitague will participate in the fourth id² National Selection International Tour. 

US Club Soccer News Release:

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 29, 2013) – In a video announcement released this morning, head coach Gerry McKeown unveiled the roster of 18 players for US Club Soccer’s 2013 id² National Selection International Tour in advance of the team’s journey to Spain from February 28 to March 11.

W-League divisional alignment released, Impact and Piranhas in Northeast Division

TAMPA, Fla. – The W-League released its divisional alignment and schedule for 2013 today, with the action slated to kick off for the 145-game regular season on Saturday, May 11.  The Bay Area Breeze join the 25-team league in 2013, further strengthening the highly competitive Western Conference. 

“The 2013 W-League season will produce a tremendous amount of excitement for players and fans alike,” said Amanda Duffy, senior director of the W-League.  “Top collegiate, amateur and professional players will compete in the W-League while aspiring to reach the top level of women’s soccer in North America. The competition will continue to be enhanced by additional regional rivalries as the fight for post-season spots intensifies.”

The W-League remains divided into three geographic conferences – Eastern, Central and Western – with the Eastern Conference featuring two divisions, the seven-team Northeast and the five-team Southeast.  The Central Conference features six teams, while the Western Conference has seven. W-League clubs will play 10- or 12-game schedules in 2013, with teams facing each opponent in their division home and away. Teams in the Central Conference and Southeast Division will play additional games vs. geographic rivals to complete their schedules.

Five W-League teams have undergone name changes for 2013, including the Carolina Elite Cobras (formerly Central SC Cobras), K-W United FC (Hamilton FC Rage), New York Magic – F.A. Euro (New York Magic), VSI Tampa Bay FC (VSI Tampa Flames) and the Washington Spirit Reserves (D.C. United Women).

Eastern Conference

Northeast Division

Fredericksburg Impact

Long Island Rough Riders

New Jersey Wildcats

New York Magic – F.A. Euro

North Jersey Valkyries

Virginia Beach Piranhas

Washington Spirit Reserves