The Real Salt Lake Academy U-15 squad advanced to the MLS NEXT Cup Semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Chicago Fire courtesy a second-half game winner from forward Zavier Gozo. Meanwhile, a strong defensive effort and several saves from goalkeeper Will Mackay helped the team its first clean sheet of the tournament.
Despite dominating the possession throughout the first half, the Claret-and-Cobalt were unable to put together a clear opportunity on goal. But strong defensive play helped limit Chicago’s chances in the final third, as the two sides battled it out in the midfield, entering the halftime scoreless.
The two sides continued to struggle offensively as the second half began, deadlocked at 0-0. With just five minute remaining in the match midfielder Luca Moisa was able to slip a pass out wide to Gozo who took several touches, driving towards goal where he hit a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner to take the late-game 1-0 lead. The goal marked Gozo's third of the tournament and second assist for Moisa.
With the momentum firmly in hand, the RSL Academy U-15s thwarted any late-game heroics from Chicago in the final five minutes, ending the match 1-0 in favor of the Claret-and-Cobalt.
Real Salt Lake Academy will now face Sacramento Republic for a berth to the 2022 MLS NEXT Cup Final on Thursday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. MT. The team is just now one game away from playing in its second-consecutive MLS NEXT Cup final under Head Coach Andrew May.
