The Real Salt Lake Academy U-15 squad have advanced to its second consecutive MLS NEXT Cup Final with a 2-0 victory over Sacramento Republic FC. Forward Kevin Hernandez opened his account with his first goal of the tournament, while fellow forward Zavier Gozo netted his fourth. Goalkeeper Will Mackay earned his second clean sheet and an assist of his own to secure RSL’s opportunity to repeat as MLS NEXT Cup champions.
The match began with the Claret-and-Cobalt on the backfoot with Sac Republic controlling the midfield and most of the possession, but the team was able to turn the tide in the 22nd minute. Midfielder Dominic Berrios drove down the pitch and ripped a shot that ricocheted off of a defender directly to Hernandez. The forward fired a shot of his own from the top of the box and past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
As the half progressed, RSL U-15s kept its foot on the pedal, scoring again in the 30th minute. On a long ball from goalkeeper Will Mackay, Gozo beat his defender and found himself alone with the goalkeeper. With Sacramento’s goalkeeper sprinting out, Gozo chipped the ball from about 35 yards away and into the left side of the net to take a 2-0 lead into the halftime break.
Moving into the second 40 minutes of play, the U-15s were able to defend its two-goal lead and overcome any late pushes by the USL Championship side to secure its spot in back-to-back MLS NEXT Cup Finals
Real Salt Lake Academy will now face Inter Miami in the 2022 MLS NEXT Cup Final on Saturday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m. MT. The team will look to repeat as MLS NEXT Cup champions under Head Coach Andrew May. The final will be streamed on Youtube or Twitch via the MLS NEXT page with additional coverage on all RSL Academy social channels.
