FRISCO, Texas (Sunday, April 10, 2022) – The Real Salt Lake Academy U17’s opened up their first day of the GA Cup with a 1-1 draw behind A goal from Izzy Amaparo. However, the team missed out on securing a second point after falling 6-7 in penalties.
The RSL Academy U17’s opened up the game with a strong defensive performance, keeping Montreal’s offense at bay. The team had some quality chances in the first half but were unable to find a breakthrough. Axel Kei looked to have a shot at goal, but his attempt was blocked. Goalkeeper Blake Kelly was able to make key saves to keep the score level at 0-0 headed into halftime.
Out of the halftime break the game continued to be a defensive battle and neither team was able to find the back of the net.
It would take until halfway through the second half to have the first goal of the match. Off a pass from Jude Wellings, Amparo scored his first goal of the tournament to give RSL the 1-0 lead. Amparo took some touches to cut the ball back inside where he hit the shot across his body and tucked it in the left post for the goal.
Montreal was able to find an equalizer late in the second half. With the score all level at 1-1 at the end of regulation, the game headed to penalty kicks.
The penalty kicks went nine rounds and despite Kelly making two saves, the RSL U17’s fell 6-7 in the shootout. RSL U17’s end day one of games at third place in group C with one point.
RSL U17 Head Coach Jordan Allen on the result: “I think the most important thing for us in these 60 minute games is to establish who we are as quickly as we can. I think once we did that in the game today we started getting chances, we looked dangerous but not having that the whole 60 minutes gave the other team the opportunity to have just one good moment and we’re dealing with the 1-1 tie going to penalties. So for us, we just have to be more like ourselves more consistently through the 60 minutes moving forward.”
Scoring Summary 1 2 F PK
RSL Academy U17 0 1 1 6
CF Montreal Academy 0 1 1 7
Izzy Amparo (Jude Wellings) 54’
Up Next: The RSL Academy U17’s will play their second match of group play tomorrow against Tigres at 12:00 p.m. MT.
