The Real Salt Lake Academy U-17s began its 2019 Generation adidas Cup tournament on Sunday, playing two matches in Group C of the Championship Division.
In the first match of the day, RSL faced off with fellow MLS side NYCFC and after playing to a 1-1 draw during regulation, defeated NYCFC 4-3 in a penalty shootout. Winger Christopher Garcia stepped up to the penalty spot in regulation to draw the match level with five minutes to play and send the match to penalties. Prior to Garcia dispatching the spot kick, goalkeeper Brennan Kline saved a penalty kick in the second half of the match to keep the match within reach for RSL.
Once in penalties, NYCFC looked to have the advantage after a conversion and subsequent save from its goalkeeper, but RSL then went on to make their final four attempts, including the winner from fullback Abel Mendoza.
In RSL’s second match of the evening, the Utah side faced off with French powerhouse Lyon and topped the French side 1-0 courtesy of a late header from Zachary Farnsworth.
Day 1 Top Goals: http://bit.ly/041519TG (Farnsworth - 0:54)
Already through to the quarterfinal stage, RSL faced Argentine club River Plate where it eventually fell 1-0 behind a second half strike from River Plate. RSL Academy midfielder Bode Davis nearly tied the match in second half stoppage time but his volleyed effort skewed just wide of goal. RSL will now face Spanish club Valencia in the quarterfinal stage of the tournament on Tuesday, April 16.
Full GA Cup Standings: http://bit.ly/041519GA
In addition to the GA Cup, the RSL U-19s are competing in the prestigious Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup and will play its first match in the tournament in Monday afternoon against English side Arsenal FC.
