RSL Academy U-17 vs New York City FC U-17
Boyds, MD (May 13, 2023) -The RSL Academy U-17 Team claimed all three points against NYCFC on the opening day of MLS NEXT Flex play. Brice Miller’s first half strike was enough to propel Head Coach Cody Worden’s side to an early victory.
The boys from the Big Apple started on the front foot, creating a chance in the opening 10 minutes of play. A mishit clearance fell to a New York forward at the top of the box who sent his shot skyward. RSL created a similar chance in the 18th minute when Cayne Madhlangove broke down the right side, finding Izahi Amparo in the box. Amparo laid the ball off to Jude Wellings who could not keep his shot down. NYC was unable to break down RSL’s defense and resorted to long range efforts, which kept Blake Kelly alert in the net. RSL weathered the attacks well before retaliating on the counter. Wellings beat his man just past midfield and found Brice Miller running in behind. Miller rounded the goalkeeper and kept his composure, slotting past the defender on the goal line to give RSL the lead heading into the break.
As the whistle got the second half going, RSL settled into the game. Amparo nearly doubled the lead in the 55th minute, from a deep freekick, but his attempt went just over the bar. New York continued to search for the equalizer, but Kelly and the defense held firm, limiting them to half chances. RSL’s counter attacks kept New York from piling numbers forward. In the 66th minute, second half sub Owen Anderson drove into the box before getting tripped up, but Wellings lashed at the loose ball, not generating enough power to beat the goalkeeper. RSL nearly doubled the lead in the 80th minute when Gabriel Oksanen put a cross into the six yard box. Only a goal line clearance, following a scrum in the box, prevented RSL from making it two.
RSL Academy Goal Scoring Summary
RSL: Brice Miller (Jude Wellings) 55th minute: Jude Wellings collected the ball at midfield and played Brice Miller in behind the defensive line. Miller then beat the goalkeeper and settled himself before firing past the defender on the goal line.
What’s Next: The U-17 team returns to the pitch on May 14 at 11:00 a.m. MDT where they will face Kalonji Soccer Academy.
RSL Academy U-15 vs Baltimore Armour U-15
Boyds, MD (May 13, 2023) - The RSL Academy U-15 earned a dominant 4-0 victory at the expense of Baltimore Armour on Day 1 of MLS NEXT Flex competition. The match started quickly with a goal within the first minute of play from Armani Haro, followed quickly by a goal from Linkon Ream in the 11th minute. Finally, a pair of penalty kicks converted by captain Luca Moisa and Axel Uriostegui rounded out the comprehensive win.
RSL Academy had their foot on the gas pedal from the opening whistle. A quick combination down the right side, and some individual brilliance from Omar Marquez resulted in a quick tap-in for Haro in the 45th second of the match. The early goal set the tone for the match. Just 10 minutes later, Ream cut in from the left side, dribbling past two defenders before unleashing a shot into the bottom left corner of the goal from the top of the box. Things went from bad to worse for Baltimore in the 30th minute when they gave up a penalty for bringing down Marquez at the edge of the box. Moisa stepped up and converted to give RSL the lead at half.
Immediately after the second half whistle, RSL tried to extend the lead. Haro dribbled into the box and was dispossessed, but the ball fell to Moisa who forced a diving save out of the goalkeeper. Goalkeeper Will Mackay was called into action for the first time in the 60th minute gathering a shot that looked destined for the top right corner of his goal. Just five minutes later, Baltimore was called for a handball in the box, and Uriostegui put the game beyond all doubt converting his penalty to make the game 4-0 in the 65th minute. RSL continued to maintain offensive possession throughout the game and finished the match with the four goal advantage intact.
RSL Academy Goal Scoring Summary
RSL: Armani Haro (Omar Marquez) 1st minute: Marquez combined down the left side and beat his defender before playing a ball to Haro inside the six yard box who provided the finishing touch.
RSL: Linkon Ream 11th minute: Ream cut in from the left side onto his right foot, beating two players. He shot low and hard to the goalkeeper’s right side into the bottom corner of the net.
RSL: Luca Moisa (PK) 30th minute: Marquez was brought down at the end of the box and the ref awarded a penalty. Moisa shot high to the goalkeeper’s right and into the back of the net.
RSL: Axel Uriostegui (PK) 65th minute: A handball in the box resulted in the second penalty of the match. Uriostegui converted to the goalkeeper’s right side.
What’s Next: The RSL Academy U-15 Team plays against MLS NEXT regular season opponents Real Colorado on May 13 at 2:30 p.m. MDT.
