The Real Salt Lake Academy U15s battled their way through their semifinal match and into the final for the chance to lift the first-ever MLS NEXT Cup with a 3-0 victory over San Jose Earthquakes U15 squad.
Prior to Wednesday’s match San Jose had been a brick wall with their defense, stringing together three-consecutive shutouts on their way to the semifinal. But Real Salt Lake made quick work to demolish their defensive efforts, as Axel Kei found the feet of captain Jude Wellings in the opening moments of the match to take the early lead.
Kei continued his offensive dominance with several break away opportunities, some thwarted by San Jose’s goalkeeper, but he could not be kept at bay for long as he dribbled the ball halfway up the field, beating out every defender in his path to double the lead and record his fifth goal in the tournament.
San Jose continued to press with several key chances, but RSL goalkeeper Fernando Delgaldo made quick work with his saves to keep the Earthquakes from finding the back of the net.
Angel Montesinos killed off the game in the 72nd minute, firing off a shot into a tight space between the opposing goalkeeper and the crossbar, cleanly tucking the ball into the top-left corner of the goal to earn the third goal of the night.
Head Coach Andrew May and the Real Salt Lake U15 Club will now turn their focus to Philadelphia Union who earned their berth to the final with a 2-0 win over New England Revolution.
The two sides will face each other on Friday, July 2 at 5:05 p.m. MT at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home to Major League Soccer sider FC Dallas. Fans can tune in to watch the match live at mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/live.
