Widely known as the world's sport, soccer has again proven that it can bring people together. Now, in a time of conflict, D.C. United have helped to unite American troops on the "frontiers of freedom" with their home country while they are a world away in Iraq.
Eries L. Gibson, a Captain in the United States Air Force, picked up a number of the Freddy Adu signature balls that were a giveaway item at United's game against Houston Dynamo on April 15. Captain Gibson then sent the balls to a friend, John Fernandez - an Army Captain currently stationed in Iraq. Captain Fernandez is training Iraqi soldiers and has incorporated soccer into his training mission for the soldiers.
The soccer balls provided by Captain Gibson, along with other soccer gear from a support group in San Antonio, Texas, have allowed Captain Fernandez to accomplish his training mission.
"The universal language is the world's sport of soccer," said Captain Fernandez in an email to D.C. United. "It does indeed unite all of us. The help given by [Captain] Eries on everything else is making things fall into place while we still conduct our daily missions. I hope we make D.C. United proud."
United Soccer Club changing lives
Last Thursday, United for D.C.'s after school program, United Soccer Club, had its first game after six weeks of training. The eldest team of the approximately 90 first-, second- and third-graders who participate in the program, took on the Chantilly Swifts - a U-14 girls team that participates in the Chantilly Youth Association and the Old Dominion Soccer League.
It perhaps comes as no surprise the positive effect United Soccer Club has on the disadvantaged youth taking part in the program. Less obvious is the effect helping out with a such a program can have on others participate. Sarah Schmitt, a member of the Chantilly Swifts, wrote her coach following Thursday's game.
"I'd just like to thank you again for the opportunity to help the kids down in Anacostia," the 14-year-old said in an email. "It was such a rewarding experience getting to help those kids. I hope we can do it again soon!"
During their time at the game on Thursday, the girls and their parents also donated over 100 pairs of soccer cleats to the kids of United Soccer Club.
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On trial
On Tuesday, former Howard University defender Idris Ugriovhe joined D.C. United on trial. The 6-foot 2-inch defender spent four years at Howard after attending Wilson High School in Washington, D.C. He also played club soccer locally for the Washington Rangers and Betheseda United. Ugriovhe was drafted in the fourth round of 2006 MLS Supplemental Draft by the Chicago Fire.
While midfielder Amir Lowry continues to train with United, goalkeeper Caleb Patterson's training stint with the Black-and-Red has come to an end.
Metcalf with the Kickers
D.C. United first-year midfielder Andy Metcalf helped the Richmond Kickers (4-1-0) to their fourth straight win on Saturday. The Kickers defeated the Pittsburgh Riverhounds by a score of 1-0 in the team's first shutout of the season. Metcalf started and played 67 minutes in his third game on loan to Richmond.
