As the first team was put through the paces of a recovery training session, the D.C. United reserves defeated the U.S. U-17 national team 2-0 in a 60-minute scrimmage at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., Wednesday. Jamil Walker and Ricky Schramm scored for the Black-and-Red.
"When we're patient with the ball, we can do good things," said United assistant coach Chad Ashton. "As soon as our fitness goes, however, we struggle. That's expected, though, and with improved fitness and composure we have the tools in place to succeed."
United were disjointed in the beginning of the match, but better organization and composure as the first half matured led to confidence and improved play. In the 22nd minute, United began to impose their will.
Rod Dyachenko found space in the middle of the field and blistered a rising 25-yard shot that smacked against the underside of the crossbar. The rebound found Walker, whose subsequent shot was smothered by a hustling Zack MacMath. Just before the break, Yinka Casal beat two defenders to acess the end line. His centering pass was re-directed just over the bar by Walker.
The Black-and-Red cashed in just three minutes into the second half. Schramm controlled the ball deep in United's half before sending a well-weighted pass up the sideline. Guy Roland-Kpene collected the pass before finding Walker at the top of the 18-yard box. Walker calmly chested down the service and placed a shot behind Larry Johnson for a 1-0 lead.
Ryan McIntosh kept a clean sheet with a sparkling save on a free kick at the 40-minute mark and Schramm salted the game five minutes from time. The Georgetown product chased a ball near the corner flag. With Dyachenko in support, the two worked a clever give-and-go before Schramm beat Johnson to the near post to finish the scoring.
The full team will train again Wednesday afternoon. The club will next play Sunday against the Columbus Crew.
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