Chase Bishov

CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – The Real Salt Lake – Arizona U-17/18 Academy team continued its winning ways at home in a 3-1 win over Southwest Division rivals Nomads SC on Sunday morning at the Grande Sports World. The victory has extended RSL-AZ U-17/18’s undefeated streak to 12 matches, one shy of the RSL-AZ Academy record of 13 set by the RSL-AZ U-15/16 team this season.

• CLICK HERE for a photo gallery of this match

RSL-AZ U-17/18 jumped out to a great start and lit up the scoreboard in the 8th minute when Jose Hernandez curled a cross into the box from a corner. The ball was headed out to a waiting Dillon Nino, who then headed the ball back into the box. With his back to the net, Damian German shielded a Nomads defender, which allowed Te Wihongi to run up and smash the loose ball into the back of the net for his third goal all season.

Nomads SC U-17/18 started to garner for urgency as the half went on and tested RSL-AZ U-17/18 goalkeeper Chase Bishov on multiple occasions. The first was in the 15th minute when Bishov smothered a rifled shot from an unmarked Nomads player. Bishov made two more big stops, the next in the 23rd minute, and the last in the 37th minute to keep Nomads scoreless at the half.

Jose Hernandez doubled RSL-AZ U-17/18’s lead in the 58th minute on a clever defensive play. He intercepted a poor Nomads pass out of the back, and immediately played to Corey Baird, who then slotted Hernandez into the box. Hernandez cut the onrushing goalkeeper to his right, and finished far post for his eighth goal all season.

Nomads SC U-17/18 were able to cut the lead in half in the 80th minute on a questionable penalty in the box, but for the most part were held back due to RSL-AZ U-17/18’s impressive second half performance.

Baird scored RSL-AZ U-17/18’s final goal three minutes into stoppage time on a free-kick that was earned by Damian German. Baird stepped up and curled the shot into the left-side netting for his eighth goal on the year.

RSL-AZ U-17/18 will return to action on Saturday, April 26th at home against the LA Galaxy.

-Real Salt Lake-AZ Academy Match Report-

RSL-AZ – Te Wihongi (assist: Dillon Nino) – 8th minute

RSL-AZ – Jose Hernandez (assist: Corey Baird) – 58th minute

Nomads SC – 82nd minute

RSL-AZ – Corey Baird – 93rd minute

Real Salt Lake-AZ: Chase Bishov (Luis Barraza – 46), Te Wihongi, Dillon Nino, Erik Holt, Moises Rodriguez, Luis Lopez, Corey Baird, Jose Hernandez (Leo Fuchs – 87), Damian German, Eric Carbajal (Adam Ferguson – 76), Sam Gleadle (Matthias Binder – 69)