TUCSON, Ariz. – Real Salt Lake-Arizona Elite U-16 has a shot at promotion after a 2-0 road win over Tucson Soccer Academy on Saturday, needing only a loss or draw from Excel Soccer Academy to move up to Arizona State League Division 2.
Tucson Soccer Academy 0-2 Real Salt Lake-Arizona Elite U-16
Needing a win to keep their promotion hopes alive, RSL-AZ Elite U-16 struck quickly and with authority in the first minute. Suraphael Mbonisi won the ball in the Tucson half and played it through to Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, who finished around the TSA keeper for the immediate 1-0 lead.
With the necessary lead in hand from the start, the Claret-and-Cobalt played the possession game to keep their one goal advantage headed into half time.
In the 59th minute, Nestor Serrano banged a long ball up the right wing to a running Ben Hensle, whose lofted pass into the box went through the hands of the TSA keeper and to the feet of Garcia, who tapped the ball into the net for the 2-0 lead and eventual win.
With the win, RSL-AZ Elite U-16 (4-0-3) moves into second place in the Arizona State League Division 2 table with a total of 12 points. With only one match left to play in the season between Excel Soccer Academy (3-1-2) and United Latinos (2-1-3), RSL-AZ will earn promotion into Division 1 for next season with an Excel draw or loss, taking place on Saturday, November 15 at 6:20 p.m. on Pecos Park Field 6.
Next weekend, Real Salt Lake-Arizona Elite U-18 takes on Fort Lowell Soccer Club on Saturday, November 15 at 1:35 p.m. on Quincie Douglas Park Field B, while RSL-AZ Elite U-17 face off against Sereno on Sunday, November 16 at 3:20 p.m. on Gilbert Crossroads Park Field 2.