MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Academy Captures 2010 SUM Cup in Houston

Published on August 3, 2010 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (August 3, 2010) - Ahead of the 2010 MLS All-Star game in Houston last week, United's Academy captured its third SUM Cup title in four years after defeating Real Salt Lake's U-17 side on penalty kicks. In a year that Academy products Andy Najar and Bill Hamid have directly impacted the club's first team, United's youth movement gained additional momentum in Texas. The Black-and-Red successfully defended their 2009 SUM Cup title, as United topped RSL to win the League-wide competition.

United won Group A in Houston, avenging a loss to Chicago at the 2010 U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy National Finals in the first match of group play. The Black-and-Red went on to defeat Colorado and San Jose in the remaining group matches, allowing the club to advance to the semifinal round against Columbus. United triumphed 3-0 over Columbus, with prolific striker Julian Griggs finding the scoresheet alongside Cody Albrecht and Kainoa Bailey.

In the SUM Cup final on July 29 United's performance was bolstered by the play of goalkeeper Cody Niedermeier. Not only did the energetic netminder stop five consecutive Real Salt Lake penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw in regulation, but he also stepped up to convert the game-winning spot kick. Niedermier's heroics allowed United to prevail 5-4 on penalties to win a League-best third SUM Cup title.

Following this emphatic victory, United Technical Director Chad Ashton said, "This is a wonderful achievement for our Academy. Our players work very hard throughout the year, and they tested themselves against some of the best players in the country in Houston. To come away victorious from this tournament is a statement from these kids - they truly fought hard and we are very, very proud of them."

One player who was missing from United's thrilling victory over Real Salt Lake in the SUM Cup final was Conor Shanosky. The versatile central defender has been training with United's first team in recent weeks, and due to his rapid ascension through United's youth ranks, Shanosky was selected for U.S. National Team duty at the prestigious Milk Cup U-19 tournament in Northern Ireland.

On July 30 the United States defeated Northern Ireland 3-0 to win this elite tourney, with Shanosky making a substitute appearance. It seems that United's youth simply goes from strength to strength. The United States side that Shanosky played for in Northern Ireland was managed by former D.C. United Head Coach Thomas Rongen, and the big centerback will feature for George Mason University in the fall.

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