RSL Academy U-15s Undefeated at MLS NEXT Fest

Real Salt Lake Academy’s U-15 continued its undefeated ways with a win and two draws at the MLS NEXT Fest. The team is now undefeated in its last 12 matches, across all competitions, under Head Coach Jordan Allen. Their performance at the tournament also helped the team qualify for the upcoming Generation Adidas Cup. 

The squad began the MLS NEXT Fest against New York Red Bulls, during which forward Omar Marquez launched a screamer into the top-left corner of the goal to erase the opposing team’s one-goal lead. The two sides remained deadlocked at 1-1 with the end of regulation time, sending the match to kicks from the penalty spot. Ultimately it was the Red Bulls who won the penalty shootout, but the Claret-and-Cobalt were still able to walk away with one point. 

In the second match of the tournament Real Salt Lake earned a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Austin FC. After being down 2-0 at the halftime break, the Claret-and-Cobalt stormed back with three unanswered goals from Karlos Flores, Armani Haro and a stoppage time winner from Marquez to secure the victory. 

Against Atlanta United, the top performer in the group, RSL was able to hold their opponent scoreless, finishing the match 0-0. However, it was Atlanta who were able to secure the extra point in the penalty shootout, with RSL finishing the week with five out of a possible nine points. 

The team will now return to regular season competition on January 23 at Sacramento United before returning home on February 5 to host Silicon Valley SA.