RSL Academy vs. Silicon Valley SA
February 8, 2023; Herriman, Utah
RSL Academy 2022/2023 Season Records: U-15 Team 12W-4L-1D, U-17 Team 8W-2L-7D
Over the weekend the Real Salt Lake Academy returned to regular season action, facing Silicon Valley SA in a rescheduled matchup from last fall.
With several U-17 regulars training with the Monarchs, Interim Head Coach and Elite Talent Director Cody Worden relied on four U-15 call ups to provide quality minutes in the starting lineup. Omar Marquez, Luca Moisa, Axel Uriostegui and Juan Gio Villa each looked comfortable at the new level and played important roles in earning the point against Silicon Valley SA. In the first half, Marquez had a few chances to put the ball in the back of the net, most notably a header on an empty goal in the 28th minute that was eventually caught by the Silicon Valley goalkeeper. RSL controlled the tempo of the game and maintained a majority of the possession in the first half.
The remainder of the game proved to be physical, with four of RSL’s players receiving yellow cards. With the score still level at 0-0 and in the dying seconds of added time, Marquez missed a volley attempt that would have secured the win. Despite not scoring, the midfield and forwards looked dominant and the backline, along with goalkeeper Lucas Russo, were convincing in defending the net and keeping a clean sheet.
The U-15 squad started their match on the front foot, and jumped out to an early lead in the 16th minute when Giovanni Aguirre headed home a cross from Karlos Flores. Just four minutes later Silicon Valley were reduced to 10 men after a rough challenge from behind. In the 29th minute Linkon Ream powered a left-footed shot from outside the 18-yard box to extend RSL’s lead. Flores added his name to the scoresheet in the 36th minute and RSL were up 3-0 at the break.
Despite conceding in the 59th, RSL continued to attack and control the pace of the game. A handball in the box led to a PK opportunity in the 73rd minute which Peter Beyene buried, sealing a dominant 4-1 victory.
What’s Next: This coming weekend the RSL Academy goes on the road to face Seattle and Vancouver’s respective academies in regular season play.
