Special Feature
Article from DC United web site
United U - 17 Boys Spurred onto Victory
August 09, 2003
D.C. United U-17 Boys claimed their first scalp today on their European tour organized by ISOS with a well-earned 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in London.
On the back of a solid opening performance against Chelsea, coach Todd Hitt hoped that his squad could build upon that game and see a steady improvement in their performance as they took on Spurs at the plush surroundings of the team training ground, Spurs Lodge.
United was cautious of the threat on the wings that Spurs would pose and countered this by playing a 4-5-1 system. The game began at a high pace, but both teams were determined to pass the ball whenever they could. The opening 20 minutes was an even match with Spurs looking threatening through their very talented left-winger, who continually delivered telling crosses in the first half. As United found their feet, they began to grow in confidence and Rosenbaum, who started predominantly wide right, began to make diagonal runs across the Tottenham back four, which created problems for Spurs as the match wore on. Rosenbaum created two good chances in the latter part of the half, one of which struck the crossbar. It was United, however, who fell behind to some sloppy defending from a set-piece, even thought hey were finishing the half the stronger of the two teams.
The second half saw United immediately lift the tempo and replied to level the score with a Chavez near post header from a corner. Both teams then engaged in some passing and interchange on the immaculate pitch, which was extremely pleasing to the eye. Midway through the half, a quick free to Barlow saw him slide a clever ball into the area for Veray to shoot but be denied by a good save. The rebound fell to Taylor whose powerful cross come shot ended up the back of the net to give the visitors a 2-1 lead. Though the game was friendly, both teams played with a strong purpose, which added to the spectacle and Spurs played their way back into the game equalizing with a somewhat dubious goal that looked offside from the sideline.
A common theme is emerging from this United squad: when it looks as if they may lose their discipline, allow fatigue to set-in and possibly be overrun, they seem to find the mental strength, concentration and maturity to get back into the game. In the last ten minutes, their game lifted and Veray began to latch onto some longer through balls only to be denied by some excellent last ditch defending by Tottenham. However, as Veray chased another through ball the Spurs keeper made a fatal error and slices the ball into the path of Veray as he attempted to clear. Veray coolly slotted the ball into an empty net to seal a well-earned 3-2 victory.
Coach Hitt commented on the game: "The victory was a pleasing bonus for us, but I was more concerned with our performance and how we would develop our game from the solid start at Chelsea. I was hoping that the players would adjust to the high tempo of the English game and the professional surroundings of Academies. I still wanted us to be able to relax and play some good passing football, which we did. Tottenham had many individually talented players, therefore we gave the guys a game-plan and structure to help cope with this. I was very impressed with the discipline of the players to adhere to this plan to limit Tottenham's chances, but at the same time have the confidence to move the ball fluently when we were in possession and create them problems."
Technical Director Ritchie Burke commented on the occasion: "The surroundings at Tottenham and the hospitality were first class and this is exactly why we have come on this tour with ISOS - exposure to professional environments. The teams were excellently matched and the contrasting systems adopted by the teams made for quite an enthralling game with some excellent individual ability on show. Good passing football was played with many chances created throughout and it was a pleasure for DC to be involved in such a game. I know that many of the spectators were treated to a good youth football match.
Tour and game organisers ISOS would like to extend a thank you to all the staff at Tottenham for all their assistance with the arrangements.
Burke concluded: "DC have a good link with Tottenham, and this was definitely enhanced with today's game. It was pleasing to sit down with the likes of Peter Sudaby (Academy Director), Paddy Holland (U17 coach) and Colin Calderwood (Reserve team coach) - who Todd knew from his UEFA A licence work - and discuss the development of the DC Academy and exchange ideas. They were quite impressed with our progression and were interested in possibly sending over some of their scholars to play/train with DC United. Hopefully we can maintain this link in the future as we hold Spurs in high regard."
The DC Tours moves onto Fulham tomorrow (Sat 9thAug). The team has been announced as the following: Mapp, Vereb, Philbin, Taylor, Hoffman, Allen, Barlow, Carroll, Howell, Short, Viray. Subs: Gaffey, Moon, Leigh, Chaves, Nesbitt.
Ross Emery
ISOS - Europe
Article from DC United web site
Other D.C. United Youth Team News
- 08.26.03 D.C. United Academy European Tour Review
- 08.18.03 United U-17 Boys Continue Tour
- 08.11.03 Fulham Rains on U-17 Parade
