Miserable weather conditions and less desirable play from Real Salt Lake- Arizona’s academy teams added up to a forgettable weekend in California, as Chivas USA came away with two victories and all six points. Real Salt Lake – Arizona’s under 18’s lost 1-0 and the under 16’s lost 3-1.
Real Salt Lake – Arizona under 18 squad started the game well consistently getting in behind the Chivas defense, but failed to convert several good chances.
Maikon Orellana had two great opportunities to put Real Salt Lake – Arizona academy in the lead. After rounding two defenders, Orellana drove the ball straight at the Chivas goalkeeper, who blocked the effort. Orellana then got in behind the Goats defense, waltzed around the keeper, but agonizingly watched his shot come off the near post and squirm across the goalmouth before being cleared by the Chivas defense.
Real Salt Lake – Arizona U18s continued their assault with Ricardo Velasco hitting the upright and then Etiandro Tavares, after beating his defender, watched his shot beat the goalie but crash off the crossbar and out of play.
The Real Salt Lake – Arizona academy had several more near makes before Chivas scored on a counter attack. After winning the ball deep in their own half, in the 43rd minute, Chivas drove forward and crossed the ball across the face of the goal. Real Salt Lake – Arizona defender Jesus Dominguez turned the ball into his own net as he tried to clear his lines.
In the second half the game swung back and forth with both teams creating chances but the equalizer for Real Salt Lake – Arizona just would not come.
In the second game of the day, Real Salt Lake-Arizona’s under 16 team came out flat and went one behind early in the first half. Things did not improve as the game went on and the Real Salt Lake – Arizona outfit went three goals down. The only bright spot for Real Salt Lake – Arizona was a second half goal by Jose Navarro, who worked very hard all afternoon as he has done all season. Real Salt Lake- Arizona’s U16 team will have to use this game as learning tool if they plan on attending the Finals again this year.
Real Salt Lake – Arizona continues league play Saturday, April 14 with a game versus San Diego Surf and the following day versus Nomads, at the $20 million dollar Grande Sports World complex, in Casa Grande, Arizona.