The Real Salt Lake Academy began the 2022 MLS NEXT regular season with a series of games in Colorado against Colorado Rapids and Real Colorado, earning a combined seven out of a possible 17 points.
The U-17s, lead by Head Coach Andrew May, went undefeated on the weekend, defeating Real Colorado and splitting points with Colorado Rapids. In the first game of the weekend against the Rapids the U-17s got off to a fast start when Zavier Gozo, the clubs 2021 leading goalscorer, opened his account in the fifth minute, jumping onto the end of a cross from Gilberto Garcia. The Claret-and-Cobalt continued to carry the 1-0 lead until just before halftime when midfielder Izzy Amparo rocketed in a free kick opportunity to double the lead.
Colorado Rapids were able to claw there way back into the match, scoring two goals in the final ten minutes of play to bring the score level at 2-2. In the fifth minute of stoppage time Tony Ramirez nearly had the go-ahead goal, but his shot was saved off the line, and the match ended tied.
The next day the U-17 team returned with a vengeance, defeating Real Colorado 4-2 for the team’s first victory of the year. Midfielder
Max Lora netted the first goal of the day in the 10th minute, assisted by Josue Reyes. Then, in the 30th minute Gozo netted his first of the match on a cross from Gershon Henry. The forwards then found his second in the 55th minute and secured the hat trick in the 76th minute, both assisted by Brice Miller.
The U-15s, lead by Head Coach Jordan Allen, started their weekend off with a 2-1 win over Colorado Rapids. They too got off to a fast start, taking the early lead in the first minute when Luca Moisa serviced in a corner to the head of Khodadad Panahi who directed it down into the back of the net. Forward Armani Haro doubled the lead in the 36th minute when he ran onto a pass from Omar Marquez and beat out the defender for his first goal of the year. The Rapids were able to pull one back, but not enough to overcome the defect, giving RSL the 2-1 win.
The next day the U-15s suffered a 2-0 defeat to Real Colorado.
