After finishing third in its group, the Real Salt Lake Academy U-15 were tasked with taking Borussia Dortmund, one of the most historic academies in Germany.
Off the whistle Dortmund were quick to show why their reputation precedes them, establishing possession early while putting pressure on RSL’s backline. But the Claret-and-Cobalt proved capable of going toe-to-toe with the proverbial German giants, blocking all of Dortmund’s offensive efforts. However, in the 16th minute Dortmund finally broke through, skipping a ball underneath Will Mackay’s diving body to take the 1-0 lead.Â
Dortmund nearly doubled its lead in the 20th minute, but a quick reaction save from Mackay preserved the one-goal deficit. Despite a late surge forward, the Academy was unable to level the score, entering the halftime break down a goal.Â
The second half saw the two sides go back and forth in the midfield, seemingly evenly matched. But in the 41st minute, on a corner kick, Dortmund doubled its lead, hitting a half-volleyed rocket into the far post on a ball that was cleared to the top of the 18-yard-box. Second-half substitute Gio Aguirre nearly pulled one back in the 43rd minute when he connected on a free kick service from Luca Moisa, but his header bounced wide of the left post.Â
Dortmund continued to push forward, looking for the third goal, but a few impressive saves from Mackay kept them out of the back of the net, ending the match at 2-0 in favor of the German team. Real Salt Lake will now finish the tournament with a final match against GNK Dinamo Zagreb from Croatia at 4:45 a.m. MT.
