The Real Salt Lake Academy continued the 2022-23 MLS NEXT regular season and its four-game road swing with a trip to visit the San Jose Earthquakes, where the two teams spilt results.
Led by Head Coach Jordan Allen, the U-15s extended their undefeated streak with an emphatic 3-1 victory over the Earthquakes. Defender Khododad Panahi opened the scoring in the 26th minute for his second goal of the season, assisted by forward Omar Marquez, his team-leading third assist of the year. San Jose would go onto equalize in the first half, but the Claret-and-Cobalt made quick work of regaining the advantage at the start of the second half when Linkon Ream found Juan Gio Villa to take the 2-1 lead. Just nine minutes later, defender Garrett Windle tapped in a loose ball in the box for the third goal of the match. Real Salt Lake was able to hold on to secure the 3-1 road win pushing the U-15s to 3-1-1 in league competition, ranked first in the West Division with ten points.
The U-17s, led by Head Coach Andrew May, got off to a rocky start when San Jose took the early 1-0 lead in the fifth minute. The Claret-and-Cobalt would eventual claw their way back, finding the equalizer in the 48th minute. But Zavier Gozo’s goal, assisted by Izzy Amparo, would not be enough, as San Jose retook the lead in the 64th minute with the eventual game winner, giving its second loss of the season. The U-17s are now 2-2-2 in league competition, ranked fifth in the West Division with eight points.
Up Next: The Real Salt Lake Academy close out its four-game road swing with a trip North of the border to Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, October 22 before returning home to host Ballistic United at Zions Bank Training Facility on October 29.
