Brooks Lennon was officially brought back to RSL on loan from Liverpool F.C. in England just a 16 days ago. Since signing his contract, he has spent most of his time with the U.S. U-20 National Team in Costa Rica for the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, taking place February 17-March 5. The U.S. fell in their first group game against Panama, losing 1-0, but bounced back on February 21st against Haiti, winning 4-1. Lennon played a major role in that victory scoring 3 goals. RSL men Danny Acosta, Justen Glad, and Sebastian Saucedo are also with the U.S. U-20 team. If the U.S. team makes the final they will play on March 5, missing the RSL season opener on March 4 against Toronto.
ESPN 700’s Bill Riley spoke to RSL GM Craig Waibel to discuss Lennon’s play so far for the U.S and his transition back to Real Salt Lake.
As the U.S. were ready to step out onto the field in Costa Rica, Real Salt Lake wrapped up their first of two preseason matches in L.A. RSL played the Galaxy and suffered their first loss of the preseason after a 40th minute goal from Jaime Villarreal. Real Salt Lake started the game with VanOekel; Dunk, Schmidt, Orozco, Wingert; Holness, Silva; Brody, Hernandez, Velazco; Barrett. After a first half that saw a lot of control for L.A., Cassar made wholesale changes, bringing in Rimando; Beltran, Horst, Schuler, Phillips (Lachowecki 77′); Sunny, Mulholland; Allen, Rusnak, Plata; Movsisyan. RSL had a few chances throughout the course of the game but ultimately couldn’t find the back of the net. They will play their last preseason match against Armenian champions Alashkert on Friday, February 24 in Irvine, California.
Real Salt Lake will open the 2017 campaign on Saturday, March 4th against Toronto F.C. at Rio Tinto Stadium at 2:30PM MST.
