WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United's Under-17 youth team is in Ciudad Real, Spain this week in preparation for the Mundialito de Clubes U-17 tournament. The tournament features 16 of the world's top clubs from 12 different countries and will take D.C. United through several Spanish cities. Boca Juniors, who United will meet in group play, won last year's event.
"We are pleased with the invitation to participate in such a prestigious tournament," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "We look forward to competing with some of the top clubs in the world."
The U-17s open play against Dutch side Feyenoord in Ciudad Real on August 25, then travel to Miguelturra for the next day's match-up with Argentina's Boca Juniors, before finishing their opening-round play on August 28 in Puertollan against Spain's Real Madrid. Should the team advance out of group play, quarterfinal play begins on August 30 with the semifinals set for September 1. The tournament concludes on September 3 with the finals in Albacete.
The first MLS team to have youth teams competing in United Soccer League's Super-Y League, United U-17s are currently 6-1-1. The U-17s staff includes head coach Gene Mishalow, assistant coach Matt Pilkington, team manager Greg Steininger and athletic trainer Randy Rocha.
The following is the D.C. United U-17 roster:
Goalkeepers: Justin Epperson (Herndon, VA), Christopher Fenner (Manassas, VA)
Defenders: Harry Beddo (Oak Hill, VA), Michael Foss (South Riding, VA), James Lofton (Harrisonbug, VA), Michael Purdy (Woodbridge, VA), Steven Duran (Chantilly, VA), Alec McLean (Silver Spring, MD), James Ramadan (McLean, VA)
Midfielders: Miguel Campos (Lorton, VA), Matthew Castillo (Lanham, MD), Joe Crowley (Chadds Ford, PA), Benjamin Fuentes (Fairfax, VA), Derek Markheim (Woodbridge, VA), Eber Martinez (Woodbridge, VA), Jonathan Werth (University Park, MD)
Forwards: Joseph Barnd (Fairfax, VA), Jose Colchao-Arnillas (Burke, VA), Kjell Crooke (Vienna, VA), Uchenna Onyeador (Potomac Falls, VA).
