D.C. United Academy players commit to the college ranks
Several D.C. United Academy players have committed their futures to college soccer. Leading the way is U-18 midfielder Tyler Rudy, who was recently named to the 2010 NSCAA High School Academic All-American Team. Rudy has committed to Georgetown University. Other notable players on this list are striker Julian Griggs and defender Myles McGinley, as both Academy products will play for Princeton. Defender Dan Traxler is heading to South Carolina, and 2010 Washington Post All Metro Player of the Year Cody Albrecht will attend St. John’s. Below is a full list of D.C. United’s Academy players that are set to play college soccer.
Said U-18 Academy Head Coach Judah Cooks, “If you look at the kind of schools our kids are going to, it’s a testament to the character and ability of our players. Cooks continues, “This is why we are out there three nights a weeks until nine at night – for our kids to have these types of opportunities.”
Cody Albrecht: St. John’s University
Dallas Aminzadeh: Wake Forest University
Brandon Bolen: UNC Wilmington
Nat Eggleston: Duke University
Julian Griggs: Princeton University
Jordan Manley: American University
Myles McGinley: Princeton University
Kody Palmer: High Point University
Dario Redondo: Radford University
Luis Rendon: Duke University
Tyler Rudy: Georgetown University
Michael Russo: University of Central Florida
Dan Traxler: South Carolina
Jake Weiss: Radford University
Joey Wilkins: Loyola University (Maryland)
United U-16 midfielder Patrick Foss has been named to the U.S. Soccer Residency roster ahead of the CONCACAF U-17 Championship. Taking place February 12 through February 27, this tournament will unfold in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Foss will be part of the 40-man roster that will represent the United States during the spring semester of U.S. Soccer’s Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. The U.S. will play in Group B of the CONCACAF U-17 Championship alongside Cuba and Panama.
Additionally, United’s U-15 side posted a 3-1 record over the Holidays break in the top-ranked Disney Soccer Showcase presented by Chelsea Football Club in Orlando, Fla. Sponsored by the Dulles Sportsplex, the Black-and-Red opened play with a narrow 1-0 loss to Norcross FC. However, United bounced back with a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Crew Juniors. Midfielder Christian Najar, brother of 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year Andy Najar, began the scoring, followed by goals from Sander Yu and Juan Tamayo.
United then coasted to a 3-0 win over South Carolina’s Brentwood SC, with goals from Tomayo, Michael Seaton, and Heyner Pajaro. In the United’s fourth and final match, the U-15’s advanced to play Jacksonville United. A late second half goal from Seaton was the difference, allowing the Black-and-Red to round out the tourney with a 3-1 overall record.
