On the opening day of the Orlegi Cup the RSL Academy U-17s split results, defeating Phoenix Rising of the USL Championship 2-0, but also dropping a 1-0 result to Santos Laguna from Liga MX.
In the first match of the day against Phoenix Rising, Head Coach Andrew May rolled out a mix of old and young, new and returning. MLS NEXT All-Star Gershon Henry anchored the backline, while Angel Morales and Izzy Amparo rounded out the group of veterans. Newcomers to the Club Brice Miller and Cayne Madhlangove both made their Claret-and-Cobalt debuts, starting at forward and centerback, respectively.
Real Salt Lake took the lead in the 27th minute when Morales found Amparo on the run, tapping in the ball and taking the 1-0 lead just before the halftime break. Amparo would prove to be the hero of the match when he netted his second goal, securing himself a brace. The goal came in the 48th minute when RSL was awarded a free kick, Amparo stepped up to the ball and rocketed a shot, banging his opportunity into the back of the net and doubling his team’s lead. RSL would go on to close out the match, defeating Phoenix RIsing 2-0. Additionally, goalkeeper Ty Rinker earned his first clean sheet of the year and first at the U-17 level.
Later that day, the RSL Academy was tasked with facing Santos Laguna of Liga MX, a historic academy which has produced countless national-team level talents. Coach May made several chances between the two matches, including inserting RSL Homegrown Jude Wellings. Despite a penalty kick goal from Wellings, the team fell 2-1 to the team from Mexico.
