WESTFIELD, Ind. – Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy U-17/18 advanced out of the group stage of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy playoffs for the first time in Academy history Friday, defeating Chicago Magic PSG by a comprehensive 4-0 score line to cap off a dominant week of soccer against some of the best teams in the country.

[AFG_gallery id=’21’]

Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy U-17/18 4-0 Concorde Fire

The Claret-and-Cobalt wasted no time finding their form at Grand Park Sports Campus, opening the scoring of their first game in the 10th minute thanks to a goal from Jose Hernandez. A great passing sequence between Erik Holt, Aaron Herrera and Amar Sejdic opened up Damian German for a second goal only minutes later.

Hernandez captured a second goal only four minutes into the second half and hometown boy Alex Knox served up a pinpoint cross to Edgar Duran to extend the lead to four and seal the win in the opening group game.

FC Dallas 1-3 Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy U-17/18

In U.S. Soccer’s featured game on Wednesday night, RSL-AZ U-17/18 took the stadium field against FC Dallas in a match streamed live on YouTube. After a scoreless first half, Dallas’ Santiago Agudelo opened the scoring in the 49th minute.

RSL responded brilliantly with two goals from Damian German, one from the run of play and one from the penalty spot, and a third brilliant end line strike from Diego Silva to take the lead and win the game.

Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy U-17/18 4-0 Chicago Magic PSG

Needing a win Friday to advance, nerves were running high in the minutes leading up to kickoff against Chicago Magic PSG. In the 13th minute, Tate Schmitt played in a cross that Aaron Herrera crushed on the volley for the opening goal. 20 minutes later, Herrera provided the assist for Edgar Duran’s goal to double the lead.

Late in the second half, Paul Bin won a penalty that Jose Hernandez chipped down the middle for a third goal and Aaron Herrera scored with the final kick of the game to make it four and cement RSL-AZ’s place in the USSDA quarterfinals.

Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy U-17/18 will host Shattuck-St. Mary’s at Grande Sports World on Tuesday, July 7 to decide who will advance to the semifinals. Stay tuned to GrandeSports.com for information on when kickoff will take place.

GDPR