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RSL-AZ U16′s draw Real So Cal, 2-2.
The U16 Southwest Division title might come to the final game. The RSL players know that every game matters and when you have the current 1st place team, RSL, taking on the 2nd place team, Real So Cal, this game wasn’t going to be easy.
RSL looked outstanding early, passing the ball around well and creating numerous chances. They scored first in the 14th minute when Bofo Saucedo played the ball over the top to a running Brooks Lennon who touch a touch and buried the ball into the net.
RSL kept creating chances as the half went on but couldn’t find a way to grab a second goal before the half ended.
Real So Cal equalized in the 59th minute and then 4 minutes later a Damian German rocket hit the back of the net high right. RSL continued to pass the ball around well but an unfortunate turnover in the midfield in the 80th minute allowed So Cal to counter and score which tied the game up.
RSL tried to push forward but time ran out before they could grab the lead back.
Quotes from the game
Tony Bruce – What did you see from the U16’s? – “Same thing as the 18’s. We played beautiful soccer. everybody that watches us says that we play so well. We just have to finish out chances. If we don’t finish our chances that comes back to bite us.”
Damian German – What does the team need to work on? “We just need to work on not letting the rhythm of the game go.”
Brooks Lennon – What we saw out of Real So Cal. “They are really good. I think we need to improve on not giving up and taking our chances in the beginning of the game. Don’t give up until the last whistle blows. We’re still in first place. We need to keep our heads up keep working hard and we can get the win tomorrow.”
RSL-AZ U16’s defeat Arsenal FC, 3-0
Picture gallery from the game here
A draw against Real So Cal kept RSL in first place in the Southwest Division but the U16 players knew they need to walk away from the Arsenal FC game with a win.
In similar fashion to their previous game, RSL came out looking strong in the first half. Bofo Saucedo, Brooks Lennon, Diego Silva, Josh Doughty all had great shots on goal that were blocked. Evan Waldrep connected well with Bodo Saucedo in the attack but they couldn’t find the right combination as they got closer to the Arsenal GK.
Tons of chances but no goals for RSL kept Arsnela FC in the game going into the half.
However everything changed in the 50th minute when Diego Silva dribbled to the end line. His soft cross was picked up by the wind which resulted in the ball curving towards the net. The Arsenal GK was able to touch the ball high which resulted in the ball benign off the bar which came down and was deflected into the goal after it hit an Arsenal player.
Two minutes later RSL doubled their lead when Bofo Sauedo showed off his skill in the box dribbling through two defenders. He passed to Josh Doughty who took a touch and shot.
After this RSL’s chances came from everywhere. Saucedo, Damian German, Brooks Lennon and Doughty all had another chance. In the 66th minute RSL grabbed another goal when Lennon dribbled through 4 defenders on the right side of the box. He crossed to a unmarked Saucedo who easily kicked the ball into the net.
As the game progressed RSL’s subs Elias Rieland, Albert Molina and Ishan Atit all threatened the Arsenal goal in the final minutes.
None of them were able to score but it didn’t matter as RSL grabbed the 3-0 victory.
Quotes from the game
Luis Lopez – How does the shutout feel? “It feels good because we defended well and it feels good we didn’t get scored on. We were consistent and we played well the whole game.”
Evan Waldrep – What changed mentally on the field for you guys? “After the tie yesterday we were really hungry to come out with the win and we all played very well and connected well and we got the win.”