D.C. United's U-17 side's run at the Mundialito de Clubes tournament in Spain came to a close on Monday, as the Black-and-Red fell to Real Madrid 2-0. Madrid scored two late goals - in the 65th and 78th minutes - to secure the win, despite a hard-fought effort from D.C.'s best.
The team finished the tournament with an 0-2-1 record, registering an impressive draw against Dutch side Feyenoord, before falling to Argentina's Boca Juniors. Despite not making it out of the group stage, the team made a strong statement for American soccer, as they played competitively against the world's best teams.
Monday's lineup included: Fenner, Lofton, Purdy, Beddo, Mclean; Werth, Martinez, Crowley, Markheim; Onyeador, Barnd
An Argentinean history
D.C. United's newest signee, Matias Donnet, should be familiar with one of his new teammates on the United squad. Donnet and Christian Gomez both began their professional careers in their native Argentina and played against each other on numerous occasions.
The 26-year-old Donnet began his career at the age of 18 with Union de Sante Fe in Argentina. He played with Union for four years before moving to Italy's Seria A club Venezia in 2001. Donnet returned to Argentina in 2002 and spent three years with legendary Boca Juniors.
Gomez, meanwhile, made his professional debut in Argentina in 1991 and played there until he joined D.C. United in August of 2004. During his time in Argentina, Gomez suited up for Nueva Chicago, Independiente, Argentinos Juniors and Arsenal de Sarandi.
The two Argentineans' biggest meeting before becoming teammates may have come when Boca Juniors and Arsenal squared off in the Argentine Apertura championship game on November 27, 2003. Both players figured strongly in the match, as Donnet assisted on Roberto Colautti's goal in the 24th minute and scored a goal of his own in the 64th. Gomez brought Arsenal within one on a penalty kick in the 78th minute, but Donnet's Boca Juniors prevailed to win the championship 2-1. After competing against each other, Donnet and Gomez now hope to work together in D.C.'s midfield.
Heading south
The Black-and-Red travel to Richmond Wednesday night for a friendly meeting with the Richmond Kickers, who recently won the USL Second Division championship. The two teams last met in the 2005 Open Cup, with United prevailing 3-1 via goals from Freddy Adu and a Christian Gomez double. United hold a 3-2-1 all-time record against the Kickers, including a 2-1 mark in Open Cup play and a 1-1-1 record in exhibitions.
New-signing Matias Donnet is eligible to play and may make his first appearance for D.C., in the number seven shirt.
U.S. Open Cup finals
U.S. Soccer announced Wednesday the possible venues for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final. Should United advance, they will play at either Robertson Stadium - home to Houston Dynamo - or The Home Depot Center - home to the L.A. Galaxy. The Open Cup final will be played on Sept. 27.
United face the Chicago fire at Toyota Park on Sept. 6 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
