D.C. United players and technical staff departed D.C. on Tuesday for the Phillip Anschutz ranch in Colorado. The yearly trip began with a large dinner for everyone on Tuesday evening, while Wednesday was a free day for the players.
The team spent time on a number of activities, including golfing, fishing and target shooting, among others. On Thursday the team trained on the ranch before departing for Salt Lake City, in advance of Saturday's meeting with Real Salt Lake (9 p.m. ET; CSN, DK, MLSLIVE.tv).
On to nationals
The D.C. United under-20 men's team, which competes in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the United Soccer League Super-20 League, has earned a spot in the inaugural League Finals, to be held in Epping, N.H. The team, which is coached by Gene Mishalow, defeated the Northern Virginia Royals 3-2 to earn its spot in the Finals. The championship tournament will be held at the new home of Seacoast United from Aug. 3-6
Marquette moves on
Catherine Marquette, community relations director and executive director of United for D.C., the non-profit arm of D.C. United, has announced she will be leaving the team in order to pursue a graduate degree at Georgetown's Robert Emmett McDonough School of Business.
"I have had such a tremendous seven and a half years at D.C. United and four and a half years with United for D.C.," said Marquette. "It's been a wonderful experience to be a part of these organizations and I can't believe that it's not going to be a part of my daily routine anymore.
"That said, I'm not going far, and I look forward to seeing the team and the charity continue to prosper. I will always be a fan of D.C. United and its players, and I'd like to send a special thank you to Kevin [Payne] and Stephen [Zack] for all of their support of the years, including my decision to pursue my MBA."
Marquette, who began her career with United in 1999 as a ticketing representative, was named director of community relations in Feb. 2001. A key part of the development of United for D.C. in 2002, Marquette has twice been recognized as Major League Soccer's Community Relations Executive of the Year (2003, 2005).
Morales' trial ends
Yuri Morales, who spent last week on trial with the Black-and-Red, has concluded his trial period and was not offered a contract.
