With just eight minutes left on the clock the Real Salt Lake Academy was facing elimination from the MLS NEXT Cup, down 1-0 to Philadelphia Union, but second-half substitute Anthony “Tony” Ramirez proved the be the hero, putting away the equalizing goal which would set the team up for the 2-1 come-from-behind victory, a moment years in the making for the young forward.
Ramirez grew up in the small town of Escondido, California just outside of San Diego. The smaller neighborhood was the ideal place for the forward to grow as he felt safe there. “It was like a family community where everyone had each other’s backs.”
Since joining Real Salt Lake Academy last summer, Ramirez has scored 12 goals, across all competitions, for the U-15 team, including the game-winner against Austin FC during the knockout round of the 2022 Generation Adidas Cup, no stranger to finding the back of the net in the biggest of moments.
Ramirez and the U-15s fell in a penalty-shootout to Valencia CF during the quarterfinals of the GA Cup before making undefeated runs through MLS NEXT Flex and MLS NEXT Fest, helping the team earn a spot at this summer’s MLS NEXT Cup, where the team is now set to face Chicago Fire in the Quarterfinals.
The California native says the Academy has the same feel as the small hometown he grew up in. “I love how we have such a tight-knit community here. We have all built a friendship that will last forever, and we’re all like a family now.” It’s because of that team comradery and familiarity with one another which Ramirez attributes much of his personal growth and success. “Because we know each other, I can be excited for my teammates when they do well, but also it helps me force myself to be a better player.”
Ramirez and the squad are currently in the midst of the MLS NEXT Cup, the pinnacle developmental soccer, their next step along the journey to the trophy goes through Chicago Fire on Tuesday, June 28 at 8:00 a.m. MT.
