Heading into the weekend, RSL U18 & U16 Elite teams both had an opportunity to advance to the quarterfinals of the Arizona State Cup. Below are the recaps from each game.
RSL U18 Elite vs Fusion FC
Starting XI: Danny Gavin, Radu Marcu, Jaime Payamps, Aidan Tucker, Ishan Atit, AJ Esparza, Elijah Evans, Eric Gonzalez, Albert Molina, Kaleb Goodman, Brandon Johnston
Bench: Tyler Buckley
Click here for a picture gallery from the game
Going into this game RSL U18 Elite had to defeat Fusion FC by any margin and they would advance to the quarterfinals on Sunday.
Sixteen minutes into the game this task became even harder when Fusion FC scored the opening goal. Nine minutes later Fusion scored their second goal when RSL’s defense was caught out of position. RSL continued to put up a fight even though they were down early. Brandon Johnston showed some incredible pace of the wings beating three defenders before his cross was cleared out. Danny Gavin was physical in the midfield forcing many turnovers and creating chances for RSL.
However, even with all the hard work Fusion FC were able to grab another goal before the half and then another in the 51st minute.
RSL did answer back two minutes later when Eric Gonzalez created some space for himself on the wing for a cross. Tyler Buckey headed the ball into the ground before it took a bounce off the pitch and into the net. RSL continued to fight and had a much better showing in the second half but failed to connect in the final third which ultimately doomed them.
The final whistle blew ending RSL U18 Elite’s season with a, 4-1 defeat. Above is the 2012-2013 Elite team. A few of our players will be graduating and going to college in the fall and we wish them the best of luck going forward! Click the picture twice to see it bigger.
RSL U16 Elite vs Sereno
Starting XI: Miles Stray, Miguel Martinez, Brandon Sands, Danny Moreno, Duncan Storey, Nate Deaton, Aaron Herrera, Trent Lowe, Terrell Lowe, Patricio Cevallos, Octavio Ocampo
Bench: Tevin Lowe, Jonathan Min, Josh Coan, Nick Reyes, Nick LaMonica, Renzo Perez, Javi Avelar
Click here for a picture gallery from the game
For the RSL U16 Elite team to advance to the quarterfinals a few things needed to happen. If RSL defeat Sereno and CCV Stars lose or draw they advance. If RSL defeat Sereno and CCV Stars win, RSL has to defeat Sereno by 3 goals. If RSL lose they are out regardless of the CCV Stars outcome.
In less than 36 seconds after the whistle blew to start the game RSL found themselves down a goal when a shot was deflected into a danger zone by GK Miguel Martinez. RSL’s defense didn’t clear and Sereno scored. One more minute after this Sereno scored again, greatly hurting RSL’s chances. In the CCV Stars game being played at the same time in a field next to the RSL game they were up 1-0 going into the half and RSL was down 2-0 at the half.
RSL’s U16 fought hard in the second half but just could not really get anything going. Aaron Herrera had the best chance in the 62nd minute but both of his shots were blocked. Time expired with RSL losing, 2-0, and eliminated from Arizona State Cup ending their season.
Below is the RSL U16 2012-2013 Elite team. 
Click on the picture twice to see it bigger.