The Real Salt Lake Academy U15s battled their way through their semifinal match and into the final for the chance to lift the first-ever MLS NEXT Cup with a 3-0 victory over San Jose Earthquakes U15 squad.
Prior to Wednesday’s match San Jose had been a brick wall with their defense, stringing together three-consecutive shutouts on their way to the semifinal. But Real Salt Lake made quick work to demolish their defensive efforts, as Axel Kei found the feet of captain Jude Wellings in the opening moments of the match to take the early lead.
Kei continued his offensive dominance with several break away opportunities, some thwarted by San Jose’s goalkeeper, but he could not be kept at bay for long as he dribbled the ball halfway up the field, beating out every defender in his path to double the lead and record his fifth goal in the tournament.