Washington, D.C. (October 7, 2013) – In the fifth weekend of the 2013-14 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season (USSDA), D.C. United’s Academy teams once again went undefeated as all three sides picked up big victories against Continental FC DELCO.
The U-14s (4-0-1) continued its hot start with a 1-0 win over FC DELCO’s U-14s. In the first half, the team created numerous chances and dominated possession but couldn’t find the back of the net before halftime. However, a 70th minute strike to the top corner from Julius Lansiquot (Bowie, Md.; Fewster FC), off of a combination from Derin Kokuuslu (Falls Church, Va.; Annandale Boys & Girls Club), was enough to secure the win for the Black-and-Red as goalkeeper Gio Diaz (Kensington, Md.; Cerritos Academy) made some big saves to preserve the clean sheet down the stretch.
“Our first half, especially the first 20 minutes, was great,” said D.C. United U-14 Head Coach Jonathan Frias. “We created many chances and played well in the opposing half for most of the game. Unfortunately, we couldn't get that elusive first goal that breaks the opposing team down until late in the game and we got lucky some bounces that went our way in our defensive third. Credit to the boys who grinded the game out in the end and kept FC DELCO scoreless.”
The U-16 team (1-1-3) picked up its first win of the season with a 4-0 victory over FC DELCO. Trey Vinson (Manassas, Va.; Prince William Soccer Inc.) opened the scoring for the Black-and-Red in the 15th minute off of a header from a Jose Carranza (Manassas, Va.; Northern Virginia Soccer Club) corner, while DJ Reeves (Ashton, Md.; Soccer Association of Columbia) and Owen Marshall (Bethesda, Md.; DC Stoddert) each scored before the break as United went into halftime leading 3-0. Reeves picked up the brace in the 70th minute on a tap-in from Jon Bell (Gaithersburg, Md.; Montgomery Soccer Club) as the U-16swent on to win, 4-0.
“Overall, we were pleased with the group's showing,” said D.C. United U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “They were solid in each phase of play and on both sides of the ball. While it was a complete performance, we will make sure that they continue to look for ways to improve upon it.”
In its third consecutive win, the U-18 squad (3-1-1) cruised to a 6-0 victory over FC DELCO. In the first six minutes, Noah Pilato (Herndon, Va.; Chantilly Soccer Club) and Bashir Hooper (Gainesville, VA.; McLean Youth Soccer Association) both scored to give the U-18 squad a quick 2-0 lead. Julian Cummings (Fredericksburg, Va.; McLean Youth Soccer Association) would tack on one more in the 26th minute to send the Black-and-Red into halftime leading 3-0. In the second half, an own goal in the 57th minute, an individual effort from Brad Warenicz (Baltimore, Md.; Baltimore Bays) in the 66th minute and another Pilato goal in the 75th minute closed out the scoring.
“There were a number of strong individual performances today, but more importantly, the performance from the collective group was outstanding,” said D.C. United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “We created a number of good attacking movements throughout the match, resulting in some nice goals, and were successful to keep a clean sheet.”
Next week, all three teams are off from USSDA play, but the Black-and-Red will be sending a U-17 team to Montreal, Canada for the second regional Generation Adidas Cup event to be hosted by the Montreal Impact. The U-17 United squad will play the New York Red Bulls, Montreal Impact and Columbus Crew.
