MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Academy Update

Published on February 28, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (February 28, 2012) - D.C. United's U-18 and U-16 Academy teams participated in the Development Academy Carolina Challenge Cup held in Charleston, South Carolina this past weekend. The tournament ran in conjunction with the Carolina Challenge Cup, which is currently taking place with United's first team set to face host Charleston Battery on Wednesday, February 29.

The U-18's compiled an unbeaten record of 1-0-2 in the Academy Carolina Cup, facing Indiana United Fire in the first match. The Black-and-Red were able to get the lead with a goal from Sebastian Cahe, although the course of the match would change rapidly with United going down 1-2. But the Black-and-Red fought back and managed to equalize late in the second half with a penalty kick-goal from left back Patrick Foss, earning a 2-2 draw in the end.

United's U-18's kept their unbeaten record in the second match with a scoreless draw against their Chicago Fire counterparts, concluding tournament play with a 3-2 victory against Columbus Crew in the final match of the Cup. A brace from Jannik Eckenrode and another penalty kick-goal from Patrick Foss were enough to secure the victory for United, who played down one man the last 30 minutes of the match.

"The Charleston trip was an ideal way to prepare for the Academy season," said United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. "We played against a very accomplished Academy team in Indiana United and two good MLS clubs, such as Chicago Fire and Columbus Crew. We were very pleased with the level of our play and look forward to our match on March 10th against New England Revolution."

The U-16's kicked off the tournament with a draw against Indiana United Fire. D.C. United's Nigel Robinson played a major role in the match with two assists, finding Cristhyan Najar in the first goal and Ian Harkes in the second one, earning a 2-2 draw for United.

The second match was unfortunate for United, as the U-16's fell 0-1 to Chicago Fire. The Fire's goal came from a set piece in the 79th minute, with the ball finding the back of the net after a series of deflections. But the Black-and-Red would get their reward in the final match of the tournament, earning a 3-0 victory over Columbus Crew. Nigel Robinson gave the 1-0 lead to United in the 41st minute, connecting a corner kick-cross from Ian Harkes. Michael Seaton assisted Robert Palmer for United's second goal, while James Moreno buried the third and final tally for the Black-and-Red.

"We were extremely happy with the improvement of the play from game to game," said United U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. "Closing out the preseason by playing quality soccer was the goal. We have a couple of weeks to clean some things up and get a bit more organized, but the trip was a huge success."

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 28, 2012


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