D.C. United Academy teams wrap up weekend against PDA and SAC

Washington, D.C. — All three D.C. United Academy teams were in action this past weekend. The U-18s and U-16s traveled to New Jersey to play Players Development Academy, while the U-14s stayed closer to home and played Soccer Association of Columbia.

“The U-18s and U-16s played two exceptional PDA opponents this weekend,” said D.C. United Youth Development Director Sonny Silooy. “Both teams were able to attack and defend against PDA and did an excellent job. The U-14s are an unpredictable group at such a young age. We have a lot of talented players that were unable to connect. Most of the other teams that we play against have a very defensive game plan when they play us. This was a big problem for us, but it is also a good learning experience.”

Game Recaps:

U-18s vs. PDA: 1-1 tie
Goal: Brennan Ireland [57’]
Man of the Match: Christian Kershaw
“Christian has been a top performer for us all year and Saturday was a good example of what he brings to the team,” said D.C. United U-18 Head Coach Nolan Sheldon. “Aside from his leadership qualities, which are key to the team’s success, Christian plays with as much passion and competitiveness as any player on the field.”

U-16s vs. PDA: 0-0 tie
Shutout: Tyler Beaudoin
Man of the Match: Jonathan Sousa
“The defensive and midfield units had a great performance in keeping one of the Academy’s top teams off the score sheet,” said D.C. United U-16 Head Coach Tom Torres. “Jonathan, who has had a slow return since getting injured at the GA Cup, was back in form and was instrumental in stifling the opponent’s attacks, reading the game and getting involved in the attack.”

U-14s vs. SAC: 1-0 loss
“We were unable to capitalize on our chances against SAC this weekend,” said D.C. United U-14 Head Coach Jonathan Frias. “Our opponent scored early and played a very defensive strategy against us for the rest of the game. We need to do better in the attacking third against these kinds of teams.”