In this week's edition of the Academy Update, we recap the DOOPers trip to Baltimore, Maryland to play Baltimore Bays Chelsea. The Under 18s and Under 16s needed wins to stay in the hunt for a wild card spot in June's Developmental Academy playoffs. One team took a big step forward, while the other suffered a small setback.
U17/18s
The Under 18s came away with a big win Sunday, defeating Baltimore Bays Chelsea. Matt Greer scored a first half penalty kick, while substitute Mohammed Conde scored the game winner thanks to an assist from Doyle "DT" Tuvesson. The Union were able to avenge a 2-1 loss at home back in late September. With the win the U17/18s are smack dab in the middle of the wild card pool. Next week's opponent, DC United, will be a tough test since they have not lost a match since December 11th.
This week's highlight package features fullback Joe Harding. Harding, who is heading to Fairfield University in the fall, has started 3 matches for the Under 18s.
U15/16s
After an encouraging 7th place finish in this month's Generation Adidas Cup, the Union lost 2-1 to Baltimore Bays Chelsea in their return to Developmental Academy action. Striker Conor Bradley struck early in the first half with a long range effort, but Chelsea scored twice in 5 minutes to take the lead and the eventual three points. The Under 16s slid to 10th of 13 teams in the wild card pool, with current playoff team and I-95 rival DC United up next.
U13/14s
The youngest academy group continued their tour of destruction, trouncing Baltimore 4-1. Nykolas Sessock earned himself a brace which bookended a apan of 10 minutes in which the Union scored three goals to break the game wide open. The Under 14s finish the month with three dominant wins, allowing one goal while scoring fifteen.