RSL Academy U-15 vs FC Cincinnati U-15
BRADENTON, FL (April 3, 2023)- The U-15 team looked to clinch their place in the knockout rounds against FC Cincinnati, winning 2-0 in the third and final match of the 2023 Generation adidas Cup group stage. An early second-half surge saw goals from Luca Moisa and Javier Ruelas just minutes apart to support a clean sheet and secure 3 points in the Group Play standings, advancing Coach Jordan Allen’s side into the knockout stages.
RSL brought the momentum from Sunday’s 1-0 win over Toronto FC into the first half. The first ten minutes saw comfortable possession as the U-15 team probed the Cincinnati defense. As the match went on, Cincinnati started to wake up. Goalkeeper Will Mackay came up with another brilliant double save in the 18th minute. Sprinting off his line to confront an onrushing forward, he dove down to his left to disrupt the forward’s attempt to beat him on the dribble. Mackay then showcased his incredible recovery speed again, as he got to his feet and palmed away the rebound to safety. RSL nearly took the lead off a corner through Camron Estala who rose above the sea of orange jerseys and headed the ball into the crossbar.
Halftime saw Peter Beyene enter for Axel Uriostegui. It only took four minutes after the break for RSL to claim the lead. Omar Marquez used his speed and strength to hold off his defender before slotting a perfectly weighted ball through the defender’s legs into the path of Luca Moisa. Moisa settled the ball just outside of the 6-yard box and hit the back of the net. Marquez and Moisa combined again on a similar play just one minute later, but the Cincinnati keeper was equal to the task, this time making the save down to his left. However, RSL would not be denied their second of the match. Moisa sent a corner kick to the back post where Javier Ruelas was waiting to head the ball over the keeper. Cincinnati would score in the 55th minute, settling a loose ball at the top of the box and firing home low to Mackay’s left side. Four minutes later, Marquez received his second yellow of the game and was sent off.
RSL Academy Goal Scoring Summary:
Luca Moisa 34th minute: Omar Marquez used his speed and strength to hold off his defender before slotting a perfectly weighted ball through the defender’s legs into the path of Luca Moisa. Moisa settled the ball just outside of the 6-yard box and hit the back of the net.
Javier Ruelas 36th minute: Luca Moisa sent a corner kick to the back post where Javier Ruelas was waiting to head the ball over the keeper.
What’s Next: With the win over FC Cincinnati, the U-15 team clinched their spot in the knockout rounds. The opponent and kickoff time will be announced prior to the knockout matches which begin on April 5th.
RSL Academy U-17 vs Flamengo U-17
Bradenton, FL (April 3, 2023)- In the final round of group stage matches, the U-17 team fell to Flamengo, 1-0.
Blake Kelly was called into action early as Flamengo started hot. His first save came in the 5th minute, when Kelly smothered a Flamengo corner kick that found its way to the back post. In the 27th minute, a Flamengo player drove down the spine of RSL and fired a shot from just outside the center of the 18. Kelly made another diving save, getting down to his left, to keep the scoreline level. In the dying moments of the first half, RSL nearly took the lead through Izahi Amparo who took a left footed shot from outside the box, just barely putting it wide of the upright.
Coach Cody Worden brought on Gershon Henry for Nicholas Nobles to begin the second half. The Brazilian team generated the first chance of the half, putting a long ball over the top. A Flamengo player controlled the ball out of the air and fired on frame, but Kelly made the stop yet again. Amparo was again at the center of a good RSL chance, finding Jude Wellings in the box. Wellings made space for himself, but his left footed shot was parried away by the Flamengo goalkeeper. The first and only goal of the match came in the 53rd minute. Flamengo broke down the left side and played a square ball across the box for a simple tap-in.
What’s Next: Officially knocked out of the tournament, the U-17 squad moves to the Showcase where they will play an additional 4 matches. The opponents and game times are still to be determined.
