On Saturday, the Real Salt Lake Academy hosted FC Golden State at the Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman as both sides returned to U.S. Soccer Development academy action. The U-17 group played to a spirited 2-2 draws with the visitors while the U-19s toppled Golden State, 6-0.
In the first match of the day, the U-17s started the match at a blistering pace, scoring after just nine minutes through MF Alex Villanueva when his shot was bobbled by the goalkeeper before it found its way into the back of the net. FCGS would then equalize just ten minutes later with a towering header that beat RSL GK Rafael Guerrero and a defender at the back post.
The second half of the match saw FCGS take control, creating several chances before snatching the lead in the 74th minute. RSL would then push for the equalizer and found it through FW Nathan Ortiz with a last gasp effort in the 90th minute. With his first goal of the campaign, Ortiz keeps the U-17s atop the U.S.S.D.A. Southwest standings with a 10-2-5 (35 points) record through 17 matches played.
The second match of the afternoon brought an abundance of goals for the U-19s as both MF Richard Ledezma and FW Sebastian Soto each scored twice in the 6-0 victory. Adding to the emphatic score line in the second half were MFs Luis Arriaga and Diran Bebkian while GK David Ochoa earned the shutout in goal, making multiple key saves in the victory.
The RSL Academy sides will now look to a March 3 match against the Barca Academy at the Zions Bank Training Center. The U-17s will kick off first at 11:00 a.m. followed shortly by the U-19s at 1:30 p.m.
