Nicholas Reyes

Going into their last three group games of Far West Regional play Real Salt Lake U16 Elite put themselves in a good position to advance to the next round. Below are the recaps for each game.

Picture gallery from the games here

Game #1 – RSL vs Pumas Premier Academy FC

RSL Starting XI: Miguel Martinez, Miles Stray, Javier Avelar, Danny Moreno, Duncan Storey, Octavio Ocampo, Nate Deaton, Trent Lowe, Tevin Lowe, Patricio Cevallos, Terrell Lowe.

Summary: Two weeks ago, in the first three games of group play, RSL went 1-2 picking up 5 points. Second place in the group was Chiva Jr. who had 11 points and no games remaining. For RSL to advance they needed 7 points. A loss wouldn’t knock them out but would put them in a very bad position. Within minutes of the opening whistle RSL’s goal was under a heavy assault by Pumas attack. CB Miles Stray had two big clearances and GK Miguel Martinez stopped at shot in the 18th minute and again in the 28th minute when he ran out and blocked a Pumas shot on a 1v1. The impressive performance by Martinez kept the game scoreless going into the half.

Two minutes into the second half Pumas countered and caught the RSL defense napping scoring the opening goal. Martinez kept making diving saves and both Danny Moreno and Nate Deaton started to provide a spark for RSL. However their efforts ended minutes later for both who had to be subbed out for an injury. Pumas scored again in the 52nd minute when a free kick broke through the wall and into the net.

RSL then pushed many players forward and shots from inside the 18 by Deaton and Patricio Cevallos both missed their marks. Pumas kept their composure on defense and lasted out the clock defeating RSL, 2-0.

Game #2 – RSL vs FC Golden State

Starting XI: Miguel Martinez, Trent Lowe, Brandon Sands, Miles Stray, Nick Lamonica, Nate Deaton, Duncan Storey, Danny Moreno, Octavio Ocampo, Terrell Lowe, Patricio Cevallos.

Summary: After the loss earlier in the morning RSL had to win this game and win by a few goals or concede none. RSL started out a little sharper but were stilled plagued by poor passing and communication. GK Miguel Martinez was busy again having to make 3 saves in the first 26 minutes. RSL’s chances were limited on the attack and both teams went into the half scoreless.

Like in the previous game RSL found themselves down again in the second half when FC Golden State scored in the 64th minute off of a counter. They then doubled their lead in the 65th minute when another defensive breakdown led to a goal.

RSL tried to push forward but couldn’t find a way to land a shot on target. Time ran out for RSL who lost 2-0 eliminating them from Far West Regional.

Game #3 – RSL VS Tucson Soccer Academy

Starting XI: Miguel Martinez, Trent Lowe, Nate Deaton, Miles Stray, Nicholas LaMonica, Duncan Storey, Javi Avelar, Patricio Cevallos, Terrell Lowe, Jonathan Min, Octavio Ocampo.

Summary: With the two losses the day before RSL went into the game on Sunday with pride on the line. A much sharper effort in the first half allowed RSL to control the game. GK Miguel Martinez was called upon a few times but nothing was too threatening from TSA.

RSL kept pushing forward but was unable to grab a goal resulting in a scoreless draw. With the result RSL finished in 5th place in the group.

Complete standings here