VIDEO :: 2013 D.C. United Academy Orientation

D.C. United's Academy teams and training programs are designed to find and develop the top players in the Washington region. Our coaches and staff emphasize playing attractive, possession-oriented soccer. The ultimate goal is to prepare players for the club's First Team or the nation's top university teams.

Learn more: click here

D.C. United Academy u16, u18 Tryout Dates Set

Washington D.C. (July 2, 2013) – D.C. United today announced that its U-18 and U-16 Academy teams will hold tryout sessions on Thursday, July 11 and Monday, July 15 for U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) league competition beginning Fall 2013. The tryouts will be held at the RFK Training Complex (Turf Field) adjacent to ‘Lot 7’ of RFK Stadium.

Below is all the information needed to participate in the U-18 and U16 Academy tryouts:

U-18 Tryouts - *For interested players born on or after January, 1 1995
July 11 – 4:00 p.m. Register
July 15 – 4:00 p.m. Register

U-16 Tryouts - *For interested players born on or after January, 1 1997
July 11 – 5:30 p.m. Register
July 15 – 5:30 p.m. Register

For further details, see below:

·         Interested players should only register for ONE tryout date.

·         60 players per tryout – Once capacity is reached, registration will be closed.

·         Check-in will begin 30 minutes prior to each session; please arrive early.

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

·         Each player must complete the form, waiver and pay a $25 registration fee to secure a spot (no exceptions).

·         If selected, players will be notified via email for a ‘Final Call-Back’ session to be held Wednesday, July 17.

D.C. United’s Youth Academy is a cornerstone of the club. In late 2009, goalkeeper Bill Hamid became the first Academy player sign directly to United’s senior roster. In 2010, Andy Najar and Conor Shanosky were signed to the club’s First Team, with Najar winning MLS Rookie of the Year for the 2010 season. The club then inked a deal with Ethan White ahead of the 2011 MLS campaign. In January of this year, United signed forward Michael Seaton, then age 16, to the First Team. Seaton made history as the first player born after the League’s inception to be signed to an MLS side. Additionally, United’s Academy leads the nation in NCAA Division I college placement for its players.

TopDrawerSoccer.com May Top 25 Club Rankings

Check out Virginia clubs that have been ranked in the Top 25 of TopDrawerSoccer.com's May rankings:

Girls Rankings:

u13 - No. 25 - ABGC Premier 99 (Annandale, VA)
u14 - No. 9 - FC Virginia
u15 - No. 10 - FC Virginia
u16 - No. 19 - McLean Youth Soccer
u17 - No. 20 - BRYC 95 Elite (Burke, VA)
u18 - No. 24 - FC Virginia

Boys Rankings:

u16 - No. 4 - D.C. United
u18 - No. 12 - D.C. United

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.”

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).

D.C. United U23 NPSL Player Combine and Federal City FC Summer Academy Teams

D.C. United U23 NPSL Player Combine
May 3, 4 - Available to the First 50 Players that Sign Up.
 
D.C. United U23 NPSL will be hosting Open Tryouts for the 2013 National Premier Soccer League and Federal City FC Reserve League seasons. Our player combine is limited to the first 50 players that apply. This is the best opportunity to be seen by our staff for evaluation.

Register for Tryouts

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Federal City FC Summer Academy and College Combine Tryouts
Tryouts April 7, 21 (U16 and U18) - Available to the First 50 Players that Sign Up.

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Federal City FC Academy - Summer Teams
U16 & U18
 
Tryouts - Players selected for the Federal City FC "College Combine Program" are the ONLY players that will be considered for our Academy teams(No Exceptions). Identified players from the College Combine Program will be offered roster positions for the Academy team(U16 or U18) on June 15.

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D.C. United U-23 Academy team set to compete in the NPSL in 2013
Black-and-Red forms partnership with Federal City FC
D.C. United 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.

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D.C. United Academy u18, u16 teams top Match Fit Academy FC

U-18s and U-16s top Match Fit Academy FC over the weekend
 

Washington D.C. (March 19, 2013) – D.C. United Academy’s U-18 and U-16 teams resumed play in the 2013 U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) season this weekend, with both sides nabbing wins against Match Fit Academy FC.

The U-18s (10-5-1) squared off against Match Fit Academy FC (3-9-2) yesterday, bringing home a 2-1 victory over the 11th-place team in the USSDA U-18 East Conference, Atlantic Division. After a 45-minute snow delay at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ and an ensuing venue change, the game finally kicked off. In the 42nd minute of the match, Michael Sauers (Glen Arm, Md.; Baltimore Bays Chelsea) drew a penalty in the box, with Ian Harkes (Fairfax, Va.; Herndon Youth Soccer) converting the penalty kick chance to open the scoring account. Jorge Calix (Alexandria, Va.; Team America Premier) would make it 2-0 for the United Academy U-18s in the 70th minute, Match Fit Academy FC getting on the score sheet late to end the game 2-1.

“This was a better team performance,” said U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “We've placed a lot of emphasis on finishing the final 10 matches of the season strong, improving each match, so this was a positive result to that end.”

Meanwhile, the U-16s (13-1-2), who currently sit atop its age division, grabbed a 2-0 victory over Match Fit Academy FC U-16s (4-9-1) with a splendid display of set piece scoring. Coming up from the center back position on corner kick opportunities, central defender Josh Bender (Baltimore, Md.; Baltimore Blues) connected on two Gerson Umana (Lorton, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) corner kicks in the first half and dominated possession throughout the match, creating multiple chances to increase its lead throughout the game.

“Overall, it was a great away showing for the boys,” said U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “They showed a lot of quality with their style of play and were able to put [Match Fit] under a lot of pressure. We would have liked to see them finish one of their chances in the run of play, but that will take a little more training to fix the timing in the final third.”

The U-18s and U-16s will head to Richmond, Va., next to face the U-18 and U-16 Richmond Strikers at West Creek Fields on Saturday, March 23.

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.

D.C. United training program registration now open

Elite training sessions will provide participants the opportunity to earn a spot on Pre-Academy squads and recently introduced U-14 Academy Team

Washington, D.C. (January 23, 2013) – With the new year just underway, the 2013 D.C. United Training Program – led by Pre-Academy and Academy coaching staff – is open for registration and the winter session is just around the corner, starting on Sunday, February 3. The Training Program, which is available to the U9-U11 and U12-U13 age groups, presents a key opportunity for participants to be identified and scouted for United’s Pre-Academy squads and the recently introduced U-14 Academy Team.

United sign 16-year-old Academy product Michael Seaton

D.C. United signs 16-year-old Homegrown forward Michael Seaton

Capitol Heights, Md. striker becomes fifth Homegrown player to join the Black-and-Red

Washington, D.C. (January 14, 2013)  today  D.C. United announced that the club has signed 16-year-old Academy product Michael Seaton. The forward becomes the fifth Homegrown player on United’s roster, joining 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year Andy Najar, goalkeeper Bill Hamid, midfielder Conor Shanosky and defender Ethan White. Seaton progressed through United’s Academy system, starting as a Pre-Academy player and joining the U-18 squad this year.

“Michael has made big strides in a short amount of time in our Academy system and he is ready to take the next step,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “As an attacking player, Michael has an excellent work rate and is a real handful for opposing defenses. He will have some terrific mentors in Dwayne De Rosario and Chris Pontius, and Ben and his staff will have another young player with an upside to integrate into the first team.”

United U-15 Pre-Academy team finish 3rd at Disney Soccer Showcase

D.C. United Academy Update

U-15 Pre-Academy team finishes 3rd at Disney Soccer Showcase in Orlando, Fla., while U-14’s gain valuable learning experience at the tournament

Washington, D.C. (January 4, 2013) – Last week, the D.C. United U-15 and U-14 Pre-Academy teams traveled to Orlando, Fla., to participate in the prestigious Disney Soccer Showcase, a tournament that spanned five days of elite youth play. While the U-14’s played in a string of tough, competitive matches, the U-15’s captured third place, compiling an overall record of 3-1-0.

D.C. United Academy Update - November 5, 2012

Washington, D.C. (November 5, 2012) –D.C. United’s U-18 and U-16 Academy teams continued their winning ways by defeating VA Rush’s U-18 and U-16 squads 7-1 and 3-0, respectively, this past Saturday at Long Bridge Park in Arlington, Va.

Braces from three players – Denis Najar (Alexandria, Va.), Patrick Foss (South Riding, Va.) and Timothy Wilson (Frederick, Md.) – helped the U-18’s cruise to a 7-1 win in which the squad notched the highest goals total in a single match this season. Michael Seaton (Hyattsville, Md.) tallied a goal in the 46th minute to add to the scoring as well.

Najar opened the U-18’s account with a one-time finish from a Nigel Robinson (Woodbridge, Va.) cross in just the 9th minute. First-half goals also came from a Foss long-range shot in the 43rd minute and another Najar strike, a screamer from 25 yards out in the 45th minute. Seaton struck the back of the net less than a minute after the interval, and 18 minutes later, Foss converted a penalty kick. Wilson closed the match with two goals in the final five minutes to put a definitive stamp on the team’s dominant offensive performance. 

"Today's match showcased the number of quality attacking players on this team,・said Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “Nigel Robinson and Denis Najar were dangerous throughout the match and forced VA Rush to respect their pace and creativity.  We have placed a great emphasis on scoring first and the impact it has on the game.  To the team's credit, they have successfully scored first in each of the past five matches and, as a result, have picked up some good results recently."

Sharp one-touch and two-touch passing, quick attacks and strong defensive play guided the U-16’s to a 3-0 victory over the VA Rush U-16 squad. Julian Cummings (Fredericksburg, Va.) put the U-16’s ahead 1-0 off of a Christophe Koffi (Potomac, Md.) pass across the six-yard box. The two other goals also came in the first half, with Koffi and Gerson Umana (Lorton, Va.) setting each other up for one strike apiece.

The boys played a solid match,・said Tom Torres, head of D.C. United’s U-16 Academy team. They did not give their opponent much room to find a rhythm. Playing in the other team's end is something we continuously demand of the players, and they were very successful in that aspect this week. With two tough northern road matches before the Showcase, we will need to make sure the boys continue to put a lot of work into training.”

The U-18’s and U-16’s will next take on FC DELCO’s U-18 and U-16 teams on Saturday, November 10 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively, at Radnor High School in Radnor Township, Pa.

Former United Academy Players Finding Success in NCAA

Washington, D.C. (October 24, 2012) – About halfway through the 2012-13 NCAA season, the first year that MLS will graduate a class of homegrown players, several former members of D.C. United Academy teams are making significant contributions to their respective collegiate squads.

Uwem Etuk, a senior at West Virginia University, has tallied six assists this season, best (tied) among all players in the Mid-American Conference. Etuk’s Mountaineers currently sit in second place in their division, just behind No. 2 University of Akron.

A pair of No. 13 Wake Forest University freshmen, Collin Martin and Jalen Robinson, have both made immediate impacts at the Division 1 level. Martin, the ninth-ranked college freshman by Top Soccer Drawer at mid-season, has registered one goal and three assists thus far. Robinson, the fourth-ranked college freshman by Top Soccer Drawer at mid-season, has already notched two goals and one assist. Robinson’s five points are best among Wake Forest defenders while Martin’s five points are tied, with Robinson, for second among freshmen on the team.

After being selected as one of Top Soccer Drawer’s “Ten Sophomore Men’s Players to Watch” in the pre-season, Tyler Rudy of No. 6 Georgetown University has added two assists in his second collegiate campaign, including one in a 2-1 loss against then-No. 2 University of Connecticut.

Mikias Eticha, a sophomore at No. 1 University of Maryland, has played in 15 games for the Terrapins this season, starting six. The midfielder recorded his first assist of the season against Georgia State University on September 24. 

For a full list of former members of D.C. United Academy teams playing collegiately, see below:
 
American University
Jordan Manley (Sophomore; Columbia, Md.)
 
Duke University
Nat Eggleston (Sophomore; Chevy Chase, Md.)
 
George Mason University
Julio Arjona (Junior; Germantown, Md.)
Ryan Harmouche (Freshman; Annandale, Va.)
Alex Herrera (Junior; Arlington, Va.)
Izzy Ismail (Freshman; Oak Hill, Va.)

No. 6 Georgetown University
Tyler Rudy (Sophomore; Olney, Md.)
 
High Point University
Kody Palmer (Redshirt Freshman; Centreville, Va.)
 
James Madison University
Steven Mashinski (Redshirt Sophomore; Fairfax, Va.)
 
Ohio State University
Chris Hegngi (Senior; Silver Spring, Md.)
 
Princeton University
Julian Griggs (Sophomore; Elkridge, Md.)
Myles McGinley (Sophomore; Oakton, Va.)
 
Radford University
Jannik Eckenrode (Freshman; Springfield, Va.)
Sam Legg (Freshman; Derbyshire, England)
Dario Redondo (Sophomore; Woodbridge, Va.)
 
No. 18 St. John’s University
Cody Albrecht (Redshirt Freshman; Silver Spring, Md.)
 
University of Central Florida
Michael Russo (Freshman; McLean, Va.)
Dallas Sikes (Sophomore; Silver Spring, Md.)
 
No. 1 University of Maryland
Mikias Eticha (Sophomore; Falls Church, Va.)
Cody Niedermeier (Freshman; Arnold, Md.)

University of Michigan
Alec Dockser (Freshman; Bethesda, Md.)
 
University of Pennsylvania
Nicky Yin (Junior; Bethesda, Md.)

University of Virginia
Kevin McBride (Junior; Fairfax, Va.)
Sean Murnane (Redshirt Junior; Centreville, Va.)
Marcus Salandy-Defour (Freshman; Kensington, Md.)

Villanova University
Damilola Adetola (Freshman; Bowie, Md.)
 
Virginia Commonwealth University
K.C. Onyeador (Sophomore; Sterling, Va.)
 
No. 13 Wake Forest University
Collin Martin (Freshman; Chevy Chase, Md.)
Jalen Robinson (Freshman; Catonsville, Md.)

West Virginia University
Uwem Etuk (Senior; Herndon, Va.)
Peabo Doue (Senior; Germantown, Md.)
Allan Flott (Junior; Arlington, Va.)
Travis Pittman (Senior; Manassas, Va.)

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.

D.C. United Academy Update

Washington D.C. (September 24, 2012) – D.C. United’s U-18 and U-16 Academy teams played their third games of the USSDA season over the weekend at Long Bridge Park in Arlington, Virginia. The U-18’s lost by a score of 4-2 to go 2-1 on the season while the U-16’s won 5-0 to go 3-0 on the season.

U-18 Recap:
D.C. United’s U-18 Academy team picked up their first loss of the USSDA season against Pennsylvania Classics on Saturday by a score of 4-2. 

PA Classics scored twice in the opening five minutes to put United in a hole early. The Classics added a third goal just before halftime to take a 3-0 lead at the break.  Despite an attempt to battle back in the second half, United could only pull back two late goals in an eventual 4-2 defeat.  United’s goals came from Chike Nwaezeapu (Washington D.C./Maret School) in the 80^th minute and Denis Najar, brother of first team defender and academy system product Andy Najar (Alexandria, Va.) in the 85^th minute. 

"It is a disappointing result,” said Nolan Sheldon, head coach of D.C. United’s U-18 Academy team. “We looked naïve in the opening minutes of the match against a team that we know quite well and respect.  PA Classics are a very well-organized team, with some very dangerous players.  To their credit, they started the match with the right intensity, we didn't."

The U-18 squad returns to action this weekend with a USSDA match against McLean Youth Soccer Academy on Saturday morning at Long Bridge Park and a friendly match against Philadelphia Union Academy team on Sunday. 

U-16 Recap:
D.C. United’s U-16 Academy team improved to 3-0 on the season following a resounding 5-0 win over PA Classics on Saturday afternoon. 

After a lot of back and forth between the two teams during the opening 15 minutes of the match, D.C. United began to defend as a unit and were able to get into a rhythm. United’s composed, group effort was rewarded after Gerson Umana (Lorton, Va.) put away the first goal of the match after a quality combination and a through ball from Christophe Koffi (Potomac, Md). Umana was just getting started, as he finished the day having a hand in each of United’s five goals, tallying three goals and two assists. “Gerson had a great match and really showed his quality,” said Tom Torres, head coach of D.C. United’s U-16 Academy team. “Being on the younger side of the 15/16s, he's showing maturity well beyond his age. If he keeps his work rate high and stays humble, it will be fun to watch his progression.”

Julian Cummings (Fredericksburg, Va./Stafford HS) and Graydon Hester (Middleburg, Va.) were the other goal scorers of the match, each recording their first goal of the season.  Noah Pilato (Oak Hill, Va.) notched an assist on Umana’s second goal of the day. “It was a solid effort from every position,” added Torres.  “The score did not reflect the quality both clubs showed for the first 20 minutes.  We had some great individual performances, which led to a really strong group effort.  We finished a high percentage of our chances, which is all we could ask the boys to do.”  

The U-16 squad returns to action this weekend with a match against McLean Youth Soccer Academy on Saturday afternoon at Long Bridge Park.

Reston native, United Academy Player Suliaman Dainkeh Called into U-18 Men’s National Team Camp

D.C. United Academy Player/Reston native Suliaman Dainkeh Called into U-18 Men’s National Team Camp

Washington, D.C. (September 6, 2012) – D.C. United announced today that Academy product Suliaman Dainkeh has been called into the U-18 U.S. Men’s National Team camp in Mill, Netherlands. The camp will run from September 6th - 17^th, with a match against the Netherlands on September 11th in Groesbeek, Netherlands and friendlies against U-18 club teams representing Feyenoord Rotterdam, Borussia Dortmund and Club Brugge.

During this past season, Dainkeh made 27 starts for United’s academy team and was named to the East Conference’s U-15/U16 Academy Best XI team, which recognizes the top eleven players from the conference’s age group.  Dainkeh also suited up for a recent reserve team game against the New York Red Bulls on August 13th. As a starter, Dainkeh made an immediate impact, scoring in the 6th minute in an eventual 3-1 United victory.

See goal by Suliman Dainkeh below (first goal in video) assisted by Lewis Neal in the sixth minute of the reserve match.

United Academy Defender Trey Vinson named to u14 U.S. Camp

D.C. United Academy defender Trey Vinson chosen by U.S. under-14 boys national team head coach Hugo Perez as one of 36 players for the training camp July 29-Aug. 5 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The squad includes 15 players from California and four each from New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Under-14 Boys' National Team Meets for Training Camp at The Home Depot Center

D.C. United Academy Players Recognized

U.S. Soccer Development Academy released the end-of-year awards for the 2011-2012 and a few member of the D.C. United Academy system received recongition for a great season.

Development Academy Announces 2011-12 End of Year Awards

East Conference U-17/18:Goalkeeper: Alex Bono, Empire United
Defender: Dakota Edwards, Albertson SC
Defender: Malcolm Harris, Baltimore Bays Chelsea
Defender: Quincy Thomas, PA Classics
Defender: Patrick Foss, D.C. UnitedMidfielder: Collin Martin, D.C. UnitedMidfielder: Dominik Machado, New England Revolution
Midfielder: Mael Corboz, New York Red Bulls
Forward: Stefanos Stamoulacatos, Empire United
Forward: Brandon Allen, New York Red Bulls
Forward: Christiano Francois, Players Development Academy

East Conference Coach of the Year (U-17/18): Ben Cross, Empire United
East Conference Player of the Year (U-17/18): Stefanos Stamoulacatos, Empire United

East Conference U-15/16:Goalkeeper: Zack Steffen, FC DELCO
Defender: Dylan Greenberg, Albertson SC
Defender: Suliaman Dainkeh, D.C. UnitedDefender: Bryce Cregan, PA Classics
Defender: Christian Sady, New England Revolution
Midfielder: Jacori Hayes, Baltimore Bays Chelsea
Midfielder: Adam Najem, New York Red Bulls
Midfielder: Romilio Hernandez, Baltimore Bays Chelsea
Forward: Amando Moreno, New York Red Bulls
Forward: Frantzdy Pierrot, Seacoast United
Forward: Junior Rosero, NY Cosmos Academy

D.C. United Academy U-16 and U-18 Open Tryouts

Open tryouts for the U-16 and U-18 Academy teams will be held on select dates in July on the turf field at the D.C. United Training Complex adjacent to Lot 7 of RFK Stadium.

You may register for only one tryout date

• U-16: Thursday, July 26 from 4:00-5:30 PM  register
• U-16: Monday, July 30 from 4:00-5:30 PM  register
• U-18: Wednesday, July 11 from 4:00-5:30 PM  register
• U-18: Friday, July 13 from 4:00-5:30 PM  register

You must register in advance to participate in the tryout. Each session is limited to 60 players. Don't wait, sessions will reach capacity quickly.

Hotspur fall 3-1 to D.C. United U-23 Squad

Fredericksburg shows well against D.C. U23s

By Scott Wyant
For Fredericksburg Hotspur: www.fasahotspur.com


FREDERICKSBURG, Va.—In anything, a year can make quite a difference. For the Fredericksburg Hotspur that may just be an understatement.

On Wednesday night, the Hotspur matched up with Major League Soccer legend Jamie Moreno’s D.C. United Under-23 team, falling 3-1 at the University of Mary Washington’s Battleground soccer stadium. A year ago, Moreno’s team handled the Fredericksburg team 8-1, with the Hotspur scoring their only goal in the 88th minute.

This season, the Hotspur sit in second place of the Premier Development League’s South Atlantic Division. The improvement made in a year was evident very early in the game Wednesday evening.

In the sixth minute, midfielder Ryan Sappington lined up for a free kick with the idea of just getting it into the box.

“I just wanted to put it in space that could give the other guys a chance to put it in,” Sappington said. “We got Dale [Robins-Bailey], we got Grant [Silvester] and some big guys in there [to head it on goal].”

Fortunately for Gene Daniels, Sappington’s placement was a little off and his idea didn’t come to fruition. As the ball fell to his feet, the smaller forward was able to slam it home giving the home team the early 1-0 lead.

“It was just a little bit of luck actually; the ball came through two of their defenders and I didn’t really think I had a play on it,” said Daniels. “When you’re inside the 18 you always have to have the mindset that something could go wrong and the ball could come down to you. Lucky it came through two of their bigger guys and it came down to my feet and I put it away.”

For the most part, Daniels has played a reserve role for the Hotspur, but as the season progresses opportunities for him to perform are increasing.

“It’s a huge opportunity for me, regardless of the way it comes,” said Daniels. “I’ve been given an opportunity here and my mentally is just to make the most of it.”

Newly appointed Hotspur coach Jason Kilby has a great opportunity as well, taking over for a team that is 5-2-2 in PDL play on the year. Though Kilby believes taking over mid-season may be difficult.
“It’s not easy, but I enjoy the challenge,” Kilby said.

The rest of Kilby’s night was a challenge with D.C. United’s pace causing problems the entire night.

That speed would crack the Hotspur defensive line in the 40th minute as a breakdown in communication led to goal from Uwem Etuk.

“I was just staying out wide, Etuk said. “Jamie gives the freedom to go after the defender anytime I get the ball. So, I feel comfortable in that position, getting the ball and going at the defender every time.”

United would score once more before half, taking a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
The speed of D.C. United haunted the Hotspur a year ago when it scored five of its eight goals in the second half. This time, the defense of Fredericksburg was up to the task holding its opponents to just one goal after the intermission, and included a penalty kick save from second-half goalie Colin Newcity.

Now, the Hotspur will place all their focus on their match-up with the Real Maryland Monarchs on Friday.

“That game Friday is huge for us to try to get us back on a winning streak that we can try to carry in to the rest of the season,” Daniels said.

As Sappington put it, Friday is an opportunity to get things rolling again.

“It’s a chance to start the season fresh and build it from here. It’s a new season so we’re gonna see what happens.”

BOX SCORE
D.C. United U23:    2    -    1    -    3
Fredericksburg:        1    -    0    -    1

Scoring Summary:
FRED:  Gene Daniels (Ryan Sappington) 6
DCU:  Uwem Etuk (Rudy Tyler) 40
DCU: Franck Rayou 44
DCU: Mladen Lemez (Liam Collins) 79

Statistics:
Shots:  DCU: 12 (Schillo Tshuma, Franck Tayou, Chris Hegngi 2). FRED: 7 (Gene Daniels 3).
Saves:  DCU: Daniel Withrow (1), Jon Dawson (1). FRED: Ryan Taylor (4), Colin Newcite (3).
Corners:  DCU: 6. FRED: 2.
Fouls:  DCU: 11. FRED: 8.
Offsides:  DCU: 2. FRED: 3.