D.C. United Academy teams go unbeaten on penultimate regular season weekend

Washington, D.C. (Via D.C. United) – D.C. United’s Under-23, Under-16, Under-15 and Under-13 teams returned to action last weekend and went undefeated in all matches, securing a 2-0-2 record across the board. The highlight came in the U-23 team’s second-half resurgence to earn themselves a draw in New York.

The U-23’s showed resilience and determination after going into halftime two goals down against an aggressiveLong Island side. With the introduction of second-half substitute Christian Kershaw and a couple of tactical adjustments, D.C. United rallied with goals from Jamie Luchini and Colin Bonner to salvage a 2-2 draw. The match marked the beginning of a four-game stretch on the road for the U-23s.

Fixtures this weekend will conclude the regular season for the U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16 and U-18 teams. The U-14 through U-18 levels will then get a couple of weeks rest before heading to Westfield, Ind., where the U-14 team will compete in a showcase while the rest of the teams proceed on to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs.

Results

U-23: 2-2 Draw at Long Island

Goals: Jamie Luchini, Colin Bonner

“We were bullied in the opening half by a team who had no desire to let us play flowing football,” said U-23 Head Coach Richie Burke. “We conceded two first-half goals from long balls hoisted into our box that we didn’t deal well with. We adjusted at halftime – both tactically and attitude-wise – and came out in the second half ready to compete and earn the right to play good soccer. In the end, we felt it was two points lost with several good chances to win the game wasted in a dominant second-half performance.”

U-16: 3-0 Win at FC Delco

Goals: SahrFelix Sandy, Idrissa Barrie, Luis Rodriguez-Luna

“In an important match for postseason aspirations, the boys claimed a very good result leading up to the last weekend of the regular season,” said U-16 Head Coach Jonathan Frias. “It was a back-and-forth match for the first 25 minutes, and fortunately we were able to get an important goal before halftime that settled the nerves. The second half started well for the group and two good goals solidified the good result.”

U-15: 2-2 Draw against FC Bolts Celtic

Goals: Connor Gill, Jason Ferrufino

“The boys showed a lot of character to come back after going down a goal twice,” said U-15 Head Coach Tom Torres.  “They held possession of the ball for long periods and showed a lot of patience in midfield, even when they were searching for equalizers. We will look to have them improve on defending the vertical space behind the back line and become a little more protective of certain areas, but overall it was a positive match versus a strong club.”

U-13: 2-0 Win against FC Bolts Celtic

Goals: Asparuh Slavov, Iker Bustamante

“Considering the hot conditions the boys put together a solid team performance,” said U-13 Head Coach John Bello. “We will look to prepare for the season finale this upcoming weekend to end on a strong note.”

Upcoming Fixtures