RSL Academy Claims Pair of Wins on Opening Day of MLS NEXT Flex

May 13, 2023 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Real Monarchs News Release

Boyds, MD -The RSL Academy U-17 Team claimed all three points against NYCFC on the opening day of MLS NEXT Flex play. Brice Miller’s first half strike was enough to propel Head Coach Cody Worden’s side to an early victory.

The boys from the Big Apple started on the front foot, creating a chance in the opening 10 minutes of play. A mishit clearance fell to a New York forward at the top of the box who sent his shot skyward. RSL created a similar chance in the 18th minute when Cayne Madhlangove broke down the right side, finding Izahi Amparo in the box. Amparo laid the ball off to Jude Wellings who could not keep his shot down. NYC was unable to break down RSL’s defense and resorted to long range efforts, which kept Blake Kelly alert in the net. RSL weathered the attacks well before retaliating on the counter. Wellings beat his man just past midfield and found Brice Miller running in behind. Miller rounded the goalkeeper and kept his composure, slotting past the defender on the goal line to give RSL the lead heading into the break.

As the whistle got the second half going, RSL settled into the game. Amparo nearly doubled the lead in the 55th minute, from a deep freekick, but his attempt went just over the bar. New York continued to search for the equalizer, but Kelly and the defense held firm, limiting them to half chances. RSL’s counter attacks kept New York from piling numbers forward. In the 66th minute, second half sub Owen Anderson drove into the box before getting tripped up, but Wellings lashed at the loose ball, not generating enough power to beat the goalkeeper. RSL nearly doubled the lead in the 80th minute when Gabriel Oksanen put a cross into the six yard box. Only a goal line clearance, following a scrum in the box, prevented RSL from making it two.

RSL Academy Goal Scoring Summary

RSL: Brice Miller (Jude Wellings) 55th minute: Jude Wellings collected the ball at midfield and played Brice Miller in behind the defensive line. Miller then beat the goalkeeper and settled himself before firing past the defender on the goal line.

What’s Next: The U-17 team returns to the pitch on May 14 at 11:00 a.m. MDT where they will face Kalonji Soccer Academy.

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