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MLS Philadelphia Union

Union's Hernandez Named US Soccer U-17/18 Development Academy Player of the Year

July 7, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHICAGO (July 7, 2011) - U.S. Soccer has named Philadelphia Union academy member Christian Hernandez the U-17/18 Development Academy Player of the Year after the midfielder scored 16 goals in 26 appearances for his club team, Players Development Academy (PDA). PDA is a Youth Development Affiliate of the Union as part of an innovative "club-neutral" academy structure.

Hernandez, who entered as a substitute in the 79th minute of the Union's first-ever reserve match, helped PDA to a 7-2-1 divisional record, which was enough to seal the top place in the Liberty Division and No. 6 seed overall in the playoffs. Hernandez will be a key part of the Players Development Academy team as its moves through Finals Week from July 9-16 in Milwaukee, Wis. Hernandez was also named to the U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI and East Conference Starting XI.

Additionally, two other members of the Union academy system, FC Delco midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin and PDA defender Matt Jeffrey, were named to the Development Academy East Conference Starting XI. McLaughlin started and played 90 minutes against the New York Red Bulls in Philadelphia's first reserve match, followed by 45 minutes against D.C. United in the club's second reserve contest.

The Development Academy has honored players and coaches with post-season awards since its inaugural season in 2007-08. Past Players of the Year include FIFA U-20 World Cup veteran Dillon Powers and current Major League Soccer forwards Ruben Luna (FC Dallas) and Soony Saad (Sporting Kansas City).

U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI

GOALKEEPER: Jesus Guzman (San Jose Earthquakes)

DEFENDERS: Javan Torre (Pateadores), Jack Coleman (FC Dallas), Bryan Gallego (New York Red Bulls), Moises Hernandez (FC Dallas)

MIDFIELDERS: Marvin Iraheta (Cosmos Academy West), Wil Trapp (Crew Soccer Academy), Christian Hernandez (PDA)

FORWARDS: Villyan Bijev (Cal Odyssey), Maikon Orrellana (Real Salt Lake AZ), Xavi Silva (Weston FC)

Coach of the Year: Marcelo Neveleff (Weston FC)

Central Conference Starting XI

GOALKEEPER: Jeff Gal (Sockers FC)

DEFENDERS: Jack Coleman (FC Dallas), AJ Cochran (St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri), Moises Hernandez (FC Dallas), Peter Beasley (Chicago Fire)

MIDFIELDERS: Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire), Wil Trapp (Crew Soccer Academy), Tony Rocha (Texans SC Houston)

FORWARDS: Khiry Shelton (Lonestar SC Academy), Jon Top (FC Dallas), Amadou Dia (Real Colorado)

Coach of the Year: Oscar Pareja (FC Dallas)

East Conference Starting XI

GOALKEEPER: Andrew Harris (Baltimore Bays Chelsea)

DEFENDERS: Tim Parker (Albertson SC), Taylor Washington (FC Westchester), Bryan Gallego (New York Red Bulls), Matt Jeffrey (PDA)

MIDFIELDERS: Jimmy McLaughlin (FC DELCO), Marcos Ugarte (FC Greater Boston), Christian Hernandez (PDA)

FORWARDS: Brandon Allen (New York Red Bulls), Alex Swanger (Empire United), Hiroki Kobayashi (FC Westchester)

Coach of the Year: Tom Garigen (Empire United)

South Conference Starting XI

GOALKEEPER: Andrew Wolverton (Concorde Fire)

DEFENDERS: Nathan Diehl (Birmingham United), Jonathan Campbell (NC Fusion), Joaquin Del Rosario (CASL Chelsea FC), Mitch Lurie (Concorde Fire)

MIDFIELDERS: Jordan McCrary (Concorde Fire), Brian James (Weston FC), Cooper Vandermaas-Peeler (CASL FC Chelsea)

FORWARDS: Monbo Bokar (CASL FC Chelsea), Xavi Silva (Weston FC), Verneri Valimaa (Weston FC)

Coach of the Year: Marcelo Neveleff (Weston FC)

West Conference Starting XI

GOALKEEPER: Jesus Guzman (San Jose Earthquakes)

DEFENDERS: Javan Torre (Pateadores), Isaiah Trejo (Cal Odyssey), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC), Grant Silvester (California Development Academy)

MIDFIELDERS: Marvin Iraheta (Cosmos Academy West), Dennis Flores (Arsenal FC), Seth Casiple (California Development Academy)

FORWARDS: Reed McKenna (San Diego Surf), Maikon Orrellana (Real Salt Lake AZ), Villyan Bijev (Cal Odyssey)

Coach of the Year: Dan Calichman (Cosmos Academy West)

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