D.C. United's U-14 and U-16 youth teams embarked on their first trip of the season this past Sunday. The teams, still in the process of finalizing their rosters, traveled up I-95 for a pair of games against the New York Red Bulls.
D.C. United's U-14 team, coached by Matt Pilkington and Jeff Kinney, played the first match of the day to a 1-1 draw. D.C. fell behind to the Red Bulls, but showed its quality and character by notching a goal of its own. Omar Kabba scored D.C. United's lone goal, but all players who represented the Black-and-Red preformed well.
D.C. United's U-16 team, coached by United's director of youth development John Maessner and Judah Cooks, played in the second match and won 2-1. United's Chris Hengni put the team ahead after capitalizing on a mistake from the Red Bulls' defense. Leading 1-0, the team continued to push forward in typical D.C. United style and was eventually rewarded with a second goal.
Shane Cooke received a ball 35-yards from goal and after evading two defenders, picked out the top corner from 25-yards out. The team continued to play well and was unlucky not to extend the lead even further. A late Red Bull goal made for a dramatic finish, but in the end United left with the victory, capping off a very successful weekend for the club.
"I think our players performed very well. This is a good starting point for us this season," said Maessner. "We would like to thank the Red Bulls for two great games and we look forward to a healthy rivalry between the clubs for years to come."
Florida update
D.C. United's first team continues to train in Sunrise, Fla. After a full training session Wednesday morning, the team made it's way to a nearby Ft. Lauderdale beach to enjoy a walk and stretch near the ocean. On Thursday, head coach Tom Soehn put the players through some possession and finishing drills before a pool workout in the afternoon.
The club has been preparing for a friendly with the champions of Honduras, CD Motagua. The two teams will face off on Friday at Tropical Park Stadium in Miami at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Trial ended
Trialist Jamil Fearington, who joined United in Sunrise, Fla., on Sunday, has parted ways with the team without being offered a contract. Fearington previously plied his trade in the Denmark.
McIntosh moves on
Goalkeeper Ryan McIntosh has not been offered a contract and will seek opportunities elsewhere. He saw time in seven reserve games (four starts) last season and did not make an appearance with the full team. McIntosh put together a record of 1-3-1 and maintained a goals-against-average of 1.25 in the reserve division in 2006.
