Real Salt Lake holds Off The Union In Marquee Matchup

In front of their own fans, at their own stadium, Real Salt Lake did exactly what everyone in Salt Lake City came to see.
Jack Ottley broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, giving RSL the lead they'd been pressing for in a game that had intensity from the first whistle. Two teams that came in ranked among the best U19 programs in the country — and it played like it. Physical, tight, neither side giving an inch.
Chase Duke made it 2-0 in the 55th minute and it looked like RSL were about to put it away cleanly. But Philadelphia Union, ranked No. 1 in U17 and one of the most consistent youth programs in MLS, don't go quietly. John Ruf pulled one back in the 84th minute and suddenly the last six minutes felt like a completely different game. Union pushing, RSL holding, the crowd on their feet for every clearance.
RSL held on. 2-1 final.
Both Ottley and Chase Duke had been on our ones-to-watch list heading into this tournament for a reason. Ottley's goal was exactly the kind of composed, decisive finish you'd expect from a player who's been flagged by scouts all week. Duke was relentless from start to finish — the kind of forward who doesn't let defenders breathe.
For John Ruf and the Union, it's a tough exit. They came into this tournament as one of the most respected programs in the country and left with a performance that reminded everyone why.