RSL Academy Opens German Tour with International Friendly

The Real Salt Lake Academy U-15 squad officially began its tour of Germany with an international friendly against TSV 1860 München. In a tightly-contested battle, the team fell 2-3 to the German side, despite controlling a majority of the possession and getting the better chances at goal. 

The squad got off to a quick start, finding the back of the net within the first minute of play when Karlos Flores tucked his shot into the back of the net to take the early 1-0 lead. Real Salt Lake remained dominant as the first half progressed, putting 1860 on their back heels, but despite the consistent pressure, the team was unable to get the second goal over the line. Then, finally, in the 34th minute Antonio Riquelme willed his shot into the bottom-right corner to double the lead heading into the halftime break. 

Coming out of the halftime break 1860 made quick work to cut their deficit in half, pulling one back just moments after the second half whistle. In the 51st minute 1860 found the equalizer off a corner kick, bringing the score level at 2-2. 

With the Claret-and-Cobalt looking to press forward to regain the lead, the team found themselves in an unfortunate transition moment, giving up a penalty kick to the German side in the 64th minute. Despite guessing the correct direction, the forward’s shot skipped over Will Mackay’s outstretched hand to give 1860 the 2-3 lead. 

Forward Omar Marquez nearly had the equalizer in the 72nd minute, but his shot slammed off the crossbar and a defender was able to parlay it out of a dangerous area. Just moments later Marquez almost found the back of the net again, rocketing a shot towards goal, but the goalkeeper was able to make the fully stretched save and the match ended shortly thereafter in favor of the home side. 

Real Salt Lake Academy will face FC Heidenheim in another international friendly tomorrow, on August 18, before beginning competition in the Augsburg Whitsun Tournament, hosted by FC Augsburg.