The following article is courtesy of Chris Martinez, Development Academy Program Director/U18 Head Coach.

The U16 and U18 Development Academy teams went undefeated at the annual U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. The event took place November 30 - December 5 at the beautiful Premier Sports Complex. The U18 team, led by the Colorado Rapids DA Program Director Chris Martinez, got the ball rolling with an impressive 3-0 shutout victory over the LA Galaxy. The 18's used this momentum to follow up with a 1-0 victory over Sacramento Republic, and closed the week out with a hard fought nil/nil draw with the Seattle Sounders. The 18's scored a total of 4 goals in three games while giving up zero.

The U16 team, led by Head Coach Chris Cartlidge, saw the New England Revolution in game #1, and came away with a well deserved 2-1 victory. The 16's dominated and won game #2 versus Internationals out of Ohio by the score line of 4-2. In the final game of the week, the 16's drew 1-1 with a stingy DC United side.

Overall, the week was a very positive experience for both teams and a very good measuring stick of where the teams stand across the entire Development Academy at this time. The event saw hundreds of college coaches in attendance, U.S. National team coaches and scouts, professional scouts, etc.. The platform was ideal for both teams to showcase their talents collectively as well as on an individual basis.

All five Colorado Rapids DA teams are currently on their winter break. Training will resume on January 17, 2017.