RSL Academy Punch Ticket to Quarterfinal 

The Real Salt Lake Academy U-15 team advance to the MLS NEXT Quarterfinals with a 2-1 come-from-behind win over Philadelphia Union. Forward Tony Ramirez and defender Luis Rivera netted second-half goals to overcome the deficit and help punch the team’s ticket to the next round. 

The first half started out slow for both sides, with neither being able to break through for the opening goal. The Claret-and-Cobalt had a few opportunities, but none came to fruition as the plays were deemed to be offside and the first half ended deadlocked at 0-0. 

Shortly into the second half Philadelphia scored, leaving RSL facing elimination. But in the 72nd minute forward Axel Uriostegui linked up with Ramirez to set up the equalizer, leveling the match at 1-1. 

Just one minute later the referee awarded the Real Salt Lake U-15s a penalty kick for a tackle inside the box. Team captain, Rivera, stepped up to the spot and buried the shot, taking the lead with seven minutes remaining. 

The team was able to withstand the Unions’s efforts to get back in the game and after eight minutes of stoppage time the referee blew the final whistle, giving Head Coach Andrew May and his squad the victory and a place in the Quarterfinals of the MLS NEXT Cup. 

Real Salt Lake Academy will now face Chicago Fire on Tuesday, June 28 at 8:00 a.m. MT.