The Real Salt Lake Academy was back in action Tuesday morning for its final day of MLS NEXT Flex play. The U15s began the day by defeating Strikers SC 2-1, earning automatic qualification for the upcoming MLS NEXT Cup in June. Meanwhile, the U17s fell just short of securing its spot in the tournament, falling to St. Louis City SC 2-1.
The U15s put on another clinic on the offensive end with goals from Axel Uriostegui and Luca Moisa. This was Moisa’s first goal of the competition while Uriostegui netted his team-leading fifth of the competition. The team finished with the most goals in the tournament for their age group with 13 and a +10 goal differential, the second highest of any club during MLS NEXT Flex. Additionally, the U15s were one of just five teams to win all three of their matches to qualify for MLS NEXT Cup in June.
The U17s were unable to secure its spot in MLS NEXT Cup, with its 2-1 loss to St. Louis City SC. After conceding a goal early to St. Louis, RSL Homegrown Axel Kei found the back of the net once again to score his team-high fifth goal. Defender Aldo Carmona was then shown a red card after a hard foul to set up the free kick that gave St. Louis City SC the 2-1. Down a man, the team was unable to find the equalizer that would have punched the team’s ticket into the MLS NEXT Cup. Despite not qualifying during MLS NEXT Flex, the U17s showed great promise leading the age group in goals with nine and were second in goal differential with +8.
Up Next: The U17s will look to earn all three points in hopes to secure its spot in MLS NEXT Cup as the RSL Academy will return to Zions Bank Real Academy to face LAF on May 21 to close out MLS NEXT league play.
