The Real Salt Lake U-17 Academy side finished final preparations for the 2017 Generation adidas up on Wednesday as it gets set to take part in the tournament over the weekend in Kansas City, Missouri. The yearly tournament will be held at Swope Soccer Village hosted by Sporting Kansas City and will run Oct. 6-9.
Real Salt Lake will play three games opening with a matchup against San Jose Earthquakes U-17s on Friday with kickoff slated for 3:30 p.m. MT. On Saturday RSL will take on Sporting Kansas City U-17s at 6:00 p.m. MT followed by a Monday match against the Los Angeles Galaxy U-17s at 10:00 a.m. MT.
Displaying some of the nation’s best academy talent, the Generation adidas Cup provides the opportunity for universities and professional clubs alike to view the nation’s top talent. Here are a few RSL players to keep an eye on as the GA Cup progresses throughout the weekend:
Benjamin Ortiz: The 16-year-old forward from Sandy, Utah has appeared in all four regular-season matches for RSL, starting three. Ortiz leads the team with five goals, scoring in every game he has appeared including two goals against Sacramento Republic FC. He has also scored three game-winners on the year - in the season-opener against Portland, Sacramento and Nomads SC.
Julian Vasquez: The 16-year-old forward has started all four games for RSL this season, notching two goals in the process. The Northern Utah native stands out with his flare in the midfield for RSL, making him a force to recon with for opposing sides.
Luis Arriaga: Arriaga has spent time on the field for both the U-17s and the U-19s, making three appearances with two starts for the younger group while appearing twice in two starts for the U-19s. The only goal he has scored in 2017 was the winner against Arsenal FC on Sept. 30.
David Ochoa: As a goalkeeper Ochoa has appeared four times for the RSL Academy in 2017, twice for the U-17s and twice for the U-19s registering two shutouts for the 17s and one for the 19s. The 6’2” ‘keeper provides a strong presence in the penalty area, posing a tough test for attackers with his quick reaction saves and dominance in the air.
Zackery Farnsworth: Making four appearances and two starts for RSL, the 15-year-old midfielder provides depth in the midfield for Martin Vasquez.
Thatcher Cooper: Playing on the backline for RSL, Cooper has played in four matches making one start. The Arizona native has registered a single goal against Arsenal FC, the third goal in the 5-0 win.
