CASA GRANDE, Ariz. – The group stage of the Arizona State Cup kicks off on Friday evening, with Real Salt Lake-Arizona Elite U-16 and U-18 looking to take the first step toward bringing the trophy home and showing that they’re the best in Arizona.

RSL-AZ Elite U-18 has been drawn into Group D with Arizona Hammers, CCV Stars and SC del Sol, needing to finish first or second in the group to advance to the quarterfinals. Advancing will be no easy task, with del Sol the reigning State Cup champs and CCV having reached the semifinal last year.

RSL-AZ Elite U-16 should have an easier go of things, having been drawn into Group B with Tuzos Pachuca, Sereno SC West and Tucson Soccer Academy. Tuzos should provide the toughest test having reached the semifinal last year, but it would be considered an upset for the 16s to not go through.

On the Academy schedule, the Portland Timbers visit Grande Sports World for their lone match-up against the Claret-and-Cobalt this season. RSL-AZ U-17/18 (22-3-4) will take the field eager for a win to re-take the title of number one in the country against the Timbers U-17/18s (5-16-2), who have struggled as the worst U-17/18 MLS Academy so far this season.

Having earned their way back into playoff position with a pair of road wins last weekend, RSL-AZ U-15/16 (13-9-7) look to extend their winning streak to three and undefeated streak to five against Portland Timbers U-15/16 (13-5-5) at 12:30 p.m. on Grande Sports World Field 7.

Follow along with all of this weekend’s action on Twitter @GrandeSportsA. All kickoffs are listed in their local timezone.

Friday, April 17, 2015

SC del Sol vs. Real Salt Lake-Arizona Elite U-18 (6:00 p.m. Reach 11 Field 10)

Sereno SC West vs. Real Salt Lake-Arizona Elite U-16 (8:00 p.m. Reach 11 Field 14)

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy U-17/18 vs. Portland Timbers (10:00 a.m. Grande Sports World Field 7)

Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy U-15/16 vs. Portland Timbers (12:30 a.m. Grande Sports World Field 7)

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Tuzos Pachuca vs. Real Salt Lake-Arizona Elite U-16 (2:00 p.m. Reach 11 Field 14)

CCV Stars vs. Real Salt Lake-Arizona Elite U-18 (4:10 p.m. Reach 11 Field 9)

GDPR