D.C. United Academy advances to 2010 National Finals in Los Angeles

D.C. United\'s Youth Academy advanced to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Finals yet again thanks to the U-16\'s victorious run in Greensboro, NC this past weekend. The boys secured their spot on the nation\'s largest stage with a record of 2-0-1 in tournament play. The finals are set to begin next Thursday, July 8 at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, where the Black-and-Red will face some of the best youth sides from around the country.

On Friday, June 25, United\'s U-16\'s trumped LAFC Chelsea 4-2 in their tournament opener. This Black-and-Red win was followed by a 2-2 draw to Vardar on Saturday, with midfielders Collin Martin and Michael Russo scoring the pair of goals in the match. United clinched its 2010 National Finals berth on Monday, June 28 with a 2-1 victory over Real Colorado. Forward Julian Griggs scored a brace in the contest to see United through to the next stage.

United\'s U-18\'s ended a strong season in Greensboro, as the Black-and-Red came up short of the National Finals by posting a 0-2-1 record. On Saturday, June 26 United drew 1-1 with CASL Chelsea FC, as forward Iyassu Bekele scored the team\'s lone goal of the tournament. United went on to lose 1-0 and 3-0, respectively, to the Colorado Rush and Houston Dynamo to conclude their 2010 campaign.