Following a 1-1 tie with Feyenoord on Friday, August 25, D.C. United's U-17 team continued its group play in the Mundialito de Clubes U-17 tournament in Spain with a match against Boca Juniors. On Saturday, Boca Juniors defeated United's side by a score of 3-1 in front of a crowd of approximately 750 fans in the Estadio Municipal in Miguelturra. Despite the loss, United frustrated Boca for the entire 90 minutes with their hard-nosed defense and pesky offense. United was able to hold the Argentine side scoreless in the first half behind the tremendous play of goalkeeper Justin Epperson in the net.
"Boca was very fit and they moved the ball well," said D.C. United forward Steven Duran. "They were a product of a pro youth team who plays year-round."
Boca's fitness paid off midway through the second half when a United mistouch in the box was collected by a Boca player and placed in the net. Boca added to their tally a few minutes later when the referee handed the Argentines a penalty kick in the box.
Things looked dire for United, trailing 2-0 with ten minutes left, however, United midfielder Eber Martinez pulled United within one goal with his left-footed strike off a penalty kick in the 85th minute. For the next five minutes, United rendered Boca defenseless by pelting the blue and yellow with an onslaught of shots. Boca survived United's attack though and managed to add another goal as time expired.
