D.C. United Academy Update: Williamson’s goals help U-18s topple Philadelphia Union

Washington, D.C. (Via D.C. United) – Five D.C. United Academy teams wrapped up their 2014-2015 regular seasons while the Under-23 team continued its PDL season with two games last week. The academy squads combined for a 4-3-2 overall record, with the Under-13 and Under-16 teams each playing twice. The highlight of the weekend was the Under-18 team’s 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Union on the back of a pair of goals by D.C. United’s Eryk Williamson.

The U-18s traveled to Pennsylvania to take on the Union on June 6, and Williamson had a pair of goals within the first 10 minutes o the match to give D.C. United an early lead. Jorge Calix then scored D.C. United’s game-winning goal in the 61^st minute. With the result, the U-18s end the season in second place in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Atlantic Division with a 18-6-2 record, earning a spot in the 2015 USSDA playoffs in Indiana from June 23-26.

The U-15 team qualified for the Northeast Pre-Academy League playoffs and will compete in the first round against Bethesda-Olney at the RFK Auxiliary Field on June 14. The U-14 group will travel to Westfield, Ind., from June 19-22 to compete in a showcase, followed by the U-16 team who will also participate in the showcase from June 22-25. The U-23s return to action on June 13 away against the Baltimore Bohemians.

Results

U-23: 2-0 Win at Lehigh Valley United

Goals: Dario Redondo, Nigel Robinson

U-23: 2-1 Win at Reading United

Goals: Jacori Hayes, Christian Dietrich

“In both games we were very solid defensively and outstanding through mid-field, but we were a little wasteful with chances in front of goal,” said U-23 Head Coach Richie Burke. “We managed to include several new faces in our lineup and they made a big difference to all quality of play. In midfield Cody Albrecht and Jake Rozhansky continue to excel while the back pairing of Taylor Washington and Carter Manley has been outstanding. Adding Jeremy Ebobisse and Henry Lopez has given us a bit more bite up front.”

U-18: 3-2 Win at Philadelphia Union

Goals: Eryk Williamson (2), Jorge Calix

“The boys displayed an entertaining style of play and put together a complete match,” said U-18 Head Coach Tom Torres. “They dealt with and handled a powerful Union attack and were able to dominate possession. For most of the roster, it was their final regular season match for the academy with several of the players having served the club for three or four years. We are proud of their effort, commitment and sacrifice and look forward to helping them prepare for the playoffs.”

U-16: 1-1 Draw at Philadelphia Union

Goals: Collin Jouan

U-16: 2-3 Loss at NJCSA

Goals: Shaun McKenna, Raheem Lawal

“It was an unfortunate weekend because in both matches the group was the better side, but they weren’t rewarded in the end,” said U-16 Head Coach Jonathan Frias. “We will look at finishing the season on a strong note at the Indiana showcase event in a couple weeks.”

U-15: 2-0 Win at Met Oval

Goals: Conor Gill, Wilmer Escobar

“I’m proud of the boys for the tremendous effort they gave to get three points and secure a position to host our first playoff game against Bethesda,” said D.C. United academy coach Jeff Carroll. “It’s good to travel all the way up to Queens, New York, and get a good result. There were very strong performances from Jason Ferrufino, Derin Kokuuslu and Andres Cabrera. As we move forward to playoffs, we look to get the U-15 team ready for a strong Bethesda team.”

U-14: 3-4 Loss against LeHigh Valley United

Goal scorers: Bryce Orsini, Jonathan Godette, Kyle Davis

“For sixty minutes, the group played quite well; however, we need complete performances from the players and the collective group,” said U-14 Head Coach and Academy Director Nolan Sheldon.

U-13: 1-4 Loss at Met Oval

Goal: Quincy Etienne

U-13: 0-0 Draw at NJCSA

“The players put together strong stretches in each game and were able to create numerous scoring opportunities,” said U-13 Head Coach John Bello.  “It was a bit unlucky as we hit the post several times over the weekend, but we need to maintain concentration for the entire match in order to not concede goals.”

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