Philadelphia Union's academy squads took on Cedar Stars Academy over the weekend, securing a number of positive results and getting strong performances that point to the continued growth of the club's young charges. The Union's under-13 side put in two goals as they worked to build on the new concepts the club is working to input in the youth ranks. The U-14s found three second half goals after a strong defensive performance put them in position to begin exploiting the spaces left by their opponents.
Chris Brewer's U-15s picked up four goals -- including a sixth minute own goal by Cedar Stars -- to control their match as they continued to work on building in new concepts ahead of their trip to the GA Cup finals later this year. Continuing the theme of scoring in the second half, Gary Lewis's U-17s collected three in the latter frame. Using superior fitness and organization continues to be a theme for the academy teams this year as they move to integrate philosophical changes into their playing style while continuing individual player development.
Finally, the 19s knocked in three on either side of halftime in a dominating performance. Nicholas Blacklock and Leonardo Afonso scored in both the first and second half to lead the attack ahead of a big showdown with DC United on the road next weekend. The Union academy travels to Kipp DC College Prep Golden Field and RFK's turf field next weekend to face a daunting DC United club.
