Inter Miami CF U15 Academy hoisted the MLS NEXT Cup for the U15 Division, after defeating Real Salt Lake Academy at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas on Saturday. Goals from Victor Fung and Santiago Morales secured the 2-1 victory and title as best club in the U15 Division of MLS NEXT.
Real Salt Lake Academy got the first looks of the match with a pair of opportunities in the first 10 minutes, most notably a play beginning with a long ball over the top to Zavier Gozo. The striker attempted to play the ball over the head of Inter Miami CF Academy goalkeeper Lucas Russo. Russo got just enough of the ball to disrupt the shot attempt by Gozo and keep Salt Lake off the scoresheet.
The momentum turned a few minutes later when the Inter Miami CF Academy found the back of the net. In the 14th minute of play, Morales clipped a ball to the back post and Fung notched his second finish of the tournament with a forceful header past Real Salt Lake Academy goalkeeper, William Mackay.
Twelve minutes later, Inter Miami CF Academy doubled their lead. This time, a true team goal as the club connected several passes before an incredible one-time strike by Morales from 20 yards out.
Real Salt Lake Academy answered quickly to cut the deficit in half in the 36th minute as Gozo converted from the spot to mark his tournament-leading fifth goal of the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
There were opportunities and great saves for both sides in the second half, though the Morales finish would go on to be the game-winner, earning Morales the adidas Man of the Match and MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs MVP, and the South Florida club the MLS NEXT Cup championship.
En route to the Cup final, the Inter Miami CF U15 Academy also defeated the New England Revolution, Solar SC, Austin FC and LA Galaxy in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
