D.C. United has long had a tradition of winning championships. With four MLS Cup championships, three Supporters' Shields, a CONCACAF Champions' Cup, InterAmerican Cup, and U.S. Open Cup title, United is the most successful team in League history. On Thursday morning, the club's U-17 team has a chance to continue that championship tradition when it takes on the Kansas City Wizards in the inaugural SUM U-17 Cup final at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado (12-noon E.T.).
"This has been a very special and unique experience for everyone involved," said United's Director of Youth Development, John Maessner, who accompanied the team to Colorado. "MLS has done a fantastic job in putting this event together - everything has been first class. We are very excited about having the opportunity to participate in the Inaugural SUM U-17 Cup final against a very strong Kansas City Wizards team."
United's youth advanced to the championship match after finishing atop its group with a 2-0-1 record and then dismissing the Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 in the semifinal round on Tuesday evening. United's Chris Hegngi scored an early goal in that semifinal matchup, and William "JR" Bioh notched two more in leading the Black-and-Red to the deserved victory.
"We are very proud of the success we have had so far in this competition, but more importantly are proud of the style of soccer we have displayed over the last several days," Maesnner said of his young players. "We are all very aware that the winner of this game will be going to 2008 Club World Cup Quixote Trophy in Spain next August, which only adds to the excitement of this whole event. Our kids will be giving everything they have in the final against KC and plan on turning in another superb group effort!"
United's U-17's participate in the prestigious Club World Cup tournament (Mundialito de Clubes) last year and faced the likes of Real Madrid (Spain), Feyenoord (Holland) and Boca Juniors (Argentina).
Here's a look at the team's first five days in Colorado, kept by Youth Development Coordinator Chris Megaloudis, who joined the team on their trip:
Day 1:
An early flight to Denver and learning how to deal with the physical demands of playing at extreme altitude was not enough to keep the boys from coming out and defeating the home team. The boys responded well after a long day of plane travel and van trips and came out with a 3-1 win over the Colorado Rapids. Goals were scored by Shane Cooke (2) and Sean Murnane and while it wasn't the best performance, in terms of sharpness, an all important three points were taken from the match. After the game it was back to the hotel for a quick shower and dinner. After dinner the boys were given some free time and then came early lights out in preparation for another big day!
Day 2:
An early morning breakfast was followed by a team walk through the city of Denver. The walk served as an opportunity for the boys to see some of this interesting city as well as getting their legs ready for that evening's game. For lunch we headed to the ESPNZone where we watched the USA U-20 team play Austria. The game against the Columbus Crew later in the day was a hard fought match, which saw D.C give away leads twice in the game. The final result was a 2-2 tie, which looks more impressive now considering Columbus emerged as the best 2nd place team in the tournament and a place in the semifinals. After the game, the boys headed for Chipotle for what seems to be the hands down favorite food of the team. Burritos and tacos filled them up and they headed to bed knowing the next day was a day off from game play
Day 3:
With no game scheduled the boys again began the day with a breakfast of their choice followed by a team meeting. In the meeting the boys were given a lot of feedback from the coaching staff, including John Maessner, Marco Etcheverry, Judah Cooks, myself and team trainer extraordinaire Chris Cornish. In addition to feedback on the previous two games, the boys were treated to inspirational words from D.C United's best-ever player, known as 'El Diablo,' who shed some light onto what it takes to reach the highest levels of the sport. After the meeting we again headed to the ESPNZone, this time to watch the Copa America Final. The team seemed to be supporting Brazil, most likely because I was rooting for Argentina. Following the Brazil victory, we headed to the training complex for a walk through and tactical session to prepare for the must-win game against Salt Lake.
Day 4:
The day began as usual, a 9 a.m. breakfast, followed by a team get together. Later on, the team headed to the restaurant in the hotel where we ate a good lunch. The staff was quick to make sure no hot dogs or hamburgers were being eaten - instead trainer Chris Cornish instructed the boys which foods would allow for optimal performance. Whatever they ate must have worked as the boys responded with their most complete performance of the tournament. The thumping 4-0 win against Real Salt Lake demonstrated just how talented a team United has and what a good job Coach Judah Cooks and Youth Director John Maessner did in assembling this unit. Goals were scored in the win by Mike Funes, Shane Cooke, Chris Hegngi and William "JR" Bioh. After the game the boys were treated to Maggiano's for dinner while Marco Etcheverry and myself stayed behind to scout the next potential opponents as well as be on hand for the bracket draw which followed the last games of the night. We learned our fate after the draw and we could not be more excited for the challenge at hand. D.C. United vs. LA Galaxy!
Day 5:
Breakfast...team meeting...Lunch...treatment in training room! All these events have become daily occurrences for the boys and they are quickly learning what it takes to be a professional. This morning the boys were treated to a morning alongside the MLS All-Stars including the chance to take pictures an get autographs. The highlight for most of the boys was the chance for a team picture with D.C United playmaker Christian Gomez and also former D.C United great Eddie Pope. Coming into the game we knew this would be a hard fought competition and this indeed was the case. An early goal from the in form Chris Hegngi followed by two from William "JR" Bioh led the Black-and-Red to a 3-1 victory against the challengers from LA. With the win we are into the finals against a quality Kansas City team. After the game D.C. United President Kevin Payne took a moment to congratulate the boys on, not only a good win, but a stylish display that made all those involved proud.
Bring on Kansas City.
