International friendlies not only allow United to test itself against top competition from around the world, but allow the club to garner support from around the globe.
After hosting a joint tailgate party for nearly 600 fans before the July 2004 United-Nottingham Forest game friendly played at RFK Stadium, United supporters club Barra Brava has continued a relationship with Forest supporters SW Branch. Barra has been named the official sister club of SW Branch, and the group's chairman, Dave Brown, has continued to update his club on each United match in their monthly newsletter. Barra leader Robert Gillespie visited SW Branch in England last spring and was given the royal treatment, watching matches from the executive suite and experiencing a special tour of the City Grounds stadium. Gillespie is returning the favor this week, hosting Brown and his son for United's match against Scottish side Celtic FC on Wednesday and Saturday's match against the Columbus Crew.
The visitors from across the pond will also be a part of the Barra Brava road trip to Chicago to watch the Black-and-Red take on the Fire on July 22. In August, other members of SW Branch will make the trip to take in a United game and again experience the excitement of and soccer at RFK.
In addition to supporting each team, both clubs are committed to their charity work, and have teamed up in support of their causes of choice. SW Branch has often contributed to Barra's work with United for D.C., and Gillespie and his club have repeatedly donated to Branch's charitable endeavors.
New trialist
This week Yuri Morales has joined the team on trial. Morales is a United States citizen and previously attended and played soccer at the University of Massachusetts. He spent the past two years playing in Denmark as a forward and outside midfielder. From July to December 2004, Morales played for Viborg FF in the Danish Super League and most recently played for Olstykke FC in the Danish 1 Division.
Reny Rivera's trial with United ended this week without the player being offered a contract.
D.C. United Academy Youth Team
Fifteen-year-old Axel Levry, who participated in the D.C. United Youth Teams last year, is now closer to his goal of playing professionally and for the U.S. national soccer team. The Ivory Coast native was named to the U.S. Under-17 national team. He is currently attending the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where he is going to school and playing soccer year round.
