While the 2022 Generation Adidas Cup has come to a close, there are a lot of takeaways for both Real Salt Lake Academy teams.
One takeaway the coaches might be focused on the most is the team play. Both squads received the honor of Goal of the Day during the tournament, and both of those goals were the result of phenomenal team play.
The U17s earned the Goal of the Day on April 11th during their second game of group play against Tigres UANL. It all started when defender Marcus Vasquez played the ball forward to Terrence Williams down the left sideline. Williams sent the ball into the middle of the box where forward Jaden Jackson laid it off to Izzy Amparo for the finish. Four great passes led to a beautiful goal.
The U15s earned the honor a few days later in their quarterfinal matchup against Valencia CF. At the start of the second half, captain Luis Rivera cut past two Valencia defenders before passing it to Dominic Berrios. Berrios switched fields on a cross to Dylan Garcia who after a few dribbles slotted it forward to Zavier Gozo. After cutting it back, Gozo sent a cross into the 18-yard box, finding forward Kevin Hernandez wide open for a half scissor-kick side volley into the back of the net.
While both squads were unable to take home the Cup, both showed flashes of their potential, not only individually, but collectively as well. The U17s and the U15s proved they are capable of coming together for magical moments. The task now is to find consistency and growth as a team, and only time will tell how far it will take them.
But it makes for an exciting ride and a great season.
