ZLIN, Czech Republic – The U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team are the champions of the 21st International Tournament of Vaclav Jezek after defeating Ukraine 1-0 in Saturday’s final.
A 47th minute goal from Villarreal’s Mukwelle Akale proved to be the difference in the score, with Cameron Lindley providing the assist.
The USMNT began their undefeated run in the tournament with a 3-1 win against Hungary. Grande Sports Academy alumnus Sebastian “Bofo” Saucedo came on as a substitute for Jackson Yueill in the 62nd minute in the win.
The U.S. then qualified for the final with a 3-2 win against tournament hosts Czech Republic. “Bofo” gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the 47th minute, finishing off a through ball from Collin Fernandez at the near post.
Four minutes later, Saucedo returned the favor, serving up an assist for Fernandez to tally a goal of his own. Saucedo came off in the 75th minute while fellow GSA alum Justen Glad started and played the full 90 in the win.
Saucedo and Glad will both likely be in action next with the Real Salt Lake Reserves on Wednesday, August 27 as the Claret-and-Cobalt take on LA Galaxy II in USL PRO action at 4 p.m. at the StubHub Center in Carson, California.
The GSA alumni will be joined by several current Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy players in Carson, where they’ll surely look to erase the memories of July’s 2-0 loss to LA Galaxy U-15/16 in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy final.