RSL Academy Conclude Spring Invitationals

HERRIMAN, Utah (Thursday, April 9, 2026) - Real Salt Lake Academy returns to the Wasatch front after competing in both the 2026 Dallas Cup and 2026 Generation adidas Cup. 

Participating in the Dallas Cup for the first time since 2019 after MLS NEXT discontinued the U19 division of 2026 Generation adidas Cup, Real Salt Lake Academy U18’s competed in the U19 Super Group Bracket A. Facing top international talent, the Claret-and-Cobalt finished third in Group A collecting points against Houston Dynamo FC (2-0) and Premier League side Aston Villa FC (3-3). 

Needing a win against SAF Botafogo to advance to the knockout stages the Claret-and-Cobalt fell short in a 3-1 defeat ending its Dallas Cup campaign. Down 2-0 at halftime FW Jack Ottley’s conversion from the spot brought RSL within striking distance before a late Botafogo put a dagger in the MLS NEXT side’s hopes.

Dallas Cup marks the first international competition under new U18 head coach Lewis Neal, prior to the tournament, Neal’s RSL Academy U18 squad boasted a 2-1-0 in MLS NEXT regular season play, defeating Seattle Sounders FC 2-1 and Dallas Hornets SC 4-0 before falling to San Jose Earthquakes 0-2.

Looking to defend its 2025 Generation adidas Cup title the Claret-and-Cobalt came out hot opening its 2026 campaign with a 2-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg behind goals from Xavi Garcia and Julian Christy whilst goalkeeper Boston Bawden logged his first of two clean sheets throughout the tournament. RSL’s lone regulation goal against NYCFC came from the spot as Ethan Reyes calmly converted before falling short in the shootout from the extra point (6:5).

Needing a win over Nashville SC to top Group A, Easton Wilson’s brace propelled the Claret-and-Cobalt into the knockout rounds defeating the Boys in Gold 2-1. Matched up against Group I winners in the Round of 16, the Claret-and-Cobalt shut out Toronto 2-0 moving on to the Quarterfinals. In its final game of its 2026 Generation adidas Cup campaign the Claret-and-Cobalt fell 2-1 to FC Copenhagen who fell one goal short of the title.

Real Salt Lake Academy is the official MLS NEXT affiliate of Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake. Leading MLS in all-time homegrown signees (49), RSL earlier this year welcomed Griffin Dillon, Van Parker, Diego Rocio and Antonio Riquelme to its 2026 class.