The RSL Academy U-19s opened its 2019 USSDA playoffs run on Monday evening, drawing 2-2 with fellow Major League Soccer side Atlanta United FC in Oceanside, California.
RSL opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Richard Ruiz jumped on a loose ball inside the box to fire a right-footed shot into the back of the net to take the lead. Atlanta stormed back to level the match in the first half, earning a penalty kick that was dispatched calmly by Jackson Conway to bring the score to 1-1.
Atlanta United took over in the second half, earning another penalty kick in the 82nd minute which Jackson again scored past RSL first team member David Ochoa for the 2-1 lead.
RSL wouldn’t let the match get away from it as late drama ensued in the 93rd minute from a Luis Arriaga corner kick. Arriaga swung in the set piece to the near post that was met with a darting run from defender Delentz Pierre who’s flicked header looped up and over everyone inside the box and found the far side-netting, bringing the score to 2-2 at full time.
On Tuesday evening, the RSL U-17s opened its playoff venture with a scoreless draw against Real Colorado. The U-17s will return to action on Wednesday against Toronto FC at 5:00p MT. The RSL Academy U-19s are back in action on Wednesday, June 19 when it faces Bethesda FC at 5:00p MT from Oceanside.
