D.C. United Academy Update: April 1, 2014

D.C. United U-16 midfielder Patrick Jean-Gilles has been called into the U-18 National Team Camp to be held April 4-13 in Carson, Calif. While in California, Jean-Gilles will participate in the training camp and play in international matches against Canada and Mexico.

Jean-Gilles is part of a 24-man roster, made up only of players born in 1997, as Head Coach Javier Perez prepares for the U-20 World Cup cycle in three years.

This is Jean-Gilles first call in to the U.S. Soccer National team at any level. Between 2010 and 2012, both D.C. United and Academy partner Arlington Soccer Association worked together to help Jean-Gilles develop as a player. He joined the D.C. United Academy U-16 team in 2013 and has since been identified by U.S. Soccer scouts at Academy training sessions and matches.

“In Patrick's first pre-academy season in 2010, we recognized his potential to turn heads,” said D.C. United U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “This call up is a testament to his continued work and commitment to improve his overall game. We are proud of his accomplishment and are confident that he will represent D.C. United well on this stage.”

Jean-Gilles will participate in the U-18 National Team camp in California and then immediately join the D.C. United U-16s in Dallas, Texas for the national round of the Generation adidas Cup from April 13-20.

“Being called into the U-18 National Team is an excellent accomplishment for Patrick,” said D.C. United Director of Youth Development Sonny Silooy. “He has worked hard for this opportunity, and we want to continue to support him in his development.”

D.C. United Academy vs. Bethesda-Olney

All three of the Development Academy games against Bethesda-Olney were canceled on Sunday, March 30 due to extreme weather conditions. They will be rescheduled at a later date in the upcoming weeks. The U-14s play away against the Richmond Kickers on April 5 and the U-16s leave for the national round of the Generation adidas Cup on April 13.