D.C. United’s U-16’s competing for Development Academy national title in L.A.

As the 2010 World Cup comes to a close, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy tournament kicks off its final rounds of competition. Last week D.C. United’s U-16 side qualified as one of the eight quarterfinalists at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles, drawing De Anza Force, the Chicago Fire and Sockers FC in group play.

United’s U-16’s played their first group match on Saturday, July 10 as the Black-and-Red faced De Anza Force. This contest ended in a 0-0 draw, as United’s goalkeeper Cody Niedermier kept United’s shutout intact by denying a last minute strike to end the game.

United takes on the Chicago Fire’s U-16 side on Monday, July 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET, followed by a final group stage match against Sockers FC on Wednesday, July 14 at 10:00 p.m. Final stages of the tournament are to be played this Friday, July 16 once the group stage leaders have been decided.