RSL Academy U-15 vs Valencia CF U-15
BRADENTON, FL (April 6, 2023)- The U-15 team took on Valencia CF, losing 2-0, in their first match of Showcase play. The Spanish side scored in both halves to claim the victory.
Valencia imposed a distinct Spanish style of play from the start, keeping the ball for long stretches of time and exhibiting immense patience. RSL’s defense held strong, not allowing any easy chances despite not having much possession of the ball. The first shot on frame came from RSL Academy’s Axel Uriosetgui. Khododad Panahi’s corner kick sailed over the Valencia goalkeeper to Uriostegui at the back post, but his shot could not find its way through the sea of legs in front of the net. Valencia notched their first of the game through a free kick in the last minute of the first half. A curling freekick found its way into the top left corner of the goal to give the Spanish side the lead.
The second half saw three changes as Head Coach Jordan Allen tried to bring his team back level. Luca Moisa, Peter Beyene and Lorenzo Tuch entered the match for Panahi, Uriostegui, and Giovanni Aguirre. The Spanish side’s off-the-ball antics frustrated RSL Academy players,, and the second period began to get chippy. In the 39th minute, Camron Estala was sent off for a physical altercation. RSL Academy Goalkeeper Will Mackay prevented a second goal, getting up and collecting an attempted chip. However, Valencia would not be denied their second goal. A winger squared the ball across the top of the six to an onrushing forward who tapped in from close range. Mackay was called into action one final time in the final play of the match. Valencia attacked down the right wing and fired a surprise shot at Mackay’s near post, whose quick reflexes and safe hands kept the shot out of the net.
What’s Next: The U-15 team will play their second Showcase match on April 8 at 7:00 a.m. MDT against Arsenal FC from London.
RSL Academy U-17 vs Minnesota United FC U-17
Bradenton, FL (April 6, 2023)- Fresh off a 2-0 win over Pumas UNAM, the U-17 team continued Showcase competition against Minnesota United FC. The evenly matched sides played to a 0-0 draw but the Loons triumphed in the shootout.
The first half did not have many clear cut scoring opportunities for either side, both defensive lines holding firm in the face of their opponent. Jude Wellings generated a half chance for Gilberto Garcia in the fifth minute, receiving a ball over the top and laying off to Garcia at the top of the box, but Garcia was unable to keep his shot below the bar. The only other chance of the half fell to Tony Ramirez. Abokye Bikyeombe took a freekick quickly putting Ramirez through one-on-one with the Minnesota goalkeeper, who came quickly off his line to extinguish the danger.
Like the first half, the second was played mainly in the middle third of the field. In the 44th minute, Carlos Castrejon was sent off after receiving his second yellow. Minnesota attempted to take advantage of their extra man in the 53rd minute, but RSL Academy goalkeeper Blake Kelly was there to keep the Loons off the scoreboard. One last attempt from RSL was nearly converted by Jah’mani Stapleton. Wellings served a freekick into the Minnesota box; Stapleton got his head to the ball, but missed wide left of the goal.
Both teams prepared for a shootout to determine the victor. Minnesota began the shootout, scoring their attempt as did Wellings. Kelly nearly saved the second shot down to his left, while Nicholas Nobles sent the Loons goalkeeper in the wrong direction. Gershon Henry converted his chance after the Minnesota player hit the back of the net. In the fifth round, Minnesota scored once again, but Bikyeombe’s shot was saved, giving Minnesota the victory.Â
What’s Next: The next round of Showcase matches will occur on April 8. The U-17 team will have an off day before facing Inter Miami CF at 2:30 p.m. MDT.
