DC United U14...where are they coming from?
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akindc
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I noticed that BSC's excellent U13 MLS Next team didn't go to the Cup in Dallas, and asked why in another thread. Another posted said a bunch of their players moved over to DC United's new U14 Academy.
So now I'm curious what programs the other players came from for this new team. Anyone have any first-hand knowledge? |
rabbithole
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I think it was Pipeline (a very good ECNL team) that sent a lot of players to DCU U14, not Bethesda. Bethesda is already MLS Next. I heard the Bethesda U13(s) didn't go to the showcase because they did a lot of tournaments this year. |
akindc
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Not saying you're wrong, but it would be really weird for them to skip the biggest tournament of the year, far and away. Especially since they were in first place in their region during the regular season of MLS Next. And yes, BSC is in MLS Next, but DC United has a much, much better path to pro soccer now that there are homegrown player rules in affect. |
westsidesoccer
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It's just a showcase for that age group. A lot of the best MLS Next academies took a pass for that age group on the showcase. It's obviously expensive and right in the middle of the summer. It does not surprise me that Pipeline team is putting a lot of players on that DCU team. Probably the best in the area in that age group and one of the best in the country. Bethesda is strong as well. Good age group in this area on the boys side. We'll see how they do through the next few years of physical and mental development. |
akindc
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Can't imagine having to drive Pipeline kids to practice in Loudon, assuming that's where the DC United academy kids will practice. Ick.
The 2009 age group is really strong around here. Of non-MLS Next teams I'd also expect to see some PPA and Total Futbol kids move to DC United. |
DCUdad
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It's likely that training will remain at the RFK site, where it was most of this year. (They did train at Segra in the winter, but went back to RFK in March.) That RFK facility stinks (although the grass field that the first team used to train on is now available -- so that's better), but it is more centrally located. DCU built a very nice new training facility in Leesburg (down the road from Segra Field) with four brand new fields (two grass, two turf). But it is very unlikely that the academy will train there, for two reasons. First, as part of their deal with Loudoun County to build the facility (and defray some of the cost), DCU agreed to make the turf fields available to the county after 5pm -- exactly when the academy would be training. And second, for the reason above -- that training more in the center of the DMV makes it possible for more players (especially from MD) to join. |
akindc
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I find it absolutely hilarious, and not at all surprising, that DC United would be so cheap as to make a deal like this. |
akindc
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DC United just officially announced their academy teams...or at least I just saw their tweet about it.
On the U14 team, 3 are from BSC, 3 from PPA, 3 from Pipeline, 3 from Paragon, 2 from Manassas, 2 from Armor, and one each from Arlington, Cerritos, Achilles, and VDA. |
MadridFan
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Where do they post the DC United and other MLS Next rosters? |
akindc
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DC United posted it themselves...don't know if MLS Next rosters are posted anywhere in general, especially for the younger ages. Don't feel it's entirely appropriate, which is why I didn't add names here. I mean, once it gets to higher ages, and they start college recruitment, sure...but for U14? |
greypanther
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Does dc united have a u13 team? Or will they be getting one soon? |
westsidesoccer
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Pretty much whom I would have expected in this group. The Paragon kids have played at a number of other clubs. One of the ex-Achilles U-14s is playing U-17. Good for him. A superb player and talent. U-15s also pretty much whom I would have expected. |
Cruzado
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| Interesting to read that Wayne Rooney is still involved with DC United and now part of their DCU Youth program. Hopefully that's a sign of better things to come---DCU's youth involvement has been underwhelming thus far. |
DMVParent
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DC United's U16 won the MLS Next Cup this year! |
akindc
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I'm not entirely sure what you mean. He's the new head coach of DC United, and is throwing a wide net to evaluate the talent that he has to work with. For now, that means that some of the younger home grown/Loudon players are getting more of a look than they normally would. Has he convinced the owners to put more money/resources into the academy system, which has been gutted over the past few years? That I don't know. |