Rogers leads RSL to SUM U-17 Cup title

• by Soccer America , Jul 22, 2008

[PLAYER OF THE WEEK] James Rogers, one of the youngest players in the tournament, scored seven goals and helped Real Salt Lake win the SUM U-17 Cup, the second annual youth competition for MLS teams.

Rogers scored the only goal for RSL in the final against D.C United. D.C. United's Michael Burgos scored just seconds after coming onto the field in the first half to tie the game at 1-1.

The game went to a shootout, where Real Salt Lake's goalkeeper, Mike D'Arrigo, made a save on D.C. United's last shooter, giving RSL the 4-3 edge.

Rogers, who was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, recently celebrated his 15th birthday.

Every MLS team except San Jose sent a team to the tournament, which was held in conjunction with the adidas-ESP camp at Dick's Sports Goods Park, home of the Colorado Rapids.

In the semifinals, RSL head Toronto FC, 2-0, while D.C. United downed Chivas USA, 3-0. As tournament winner, Real Salt Lake earned a spot in the 2009 Trofeo Quixote tournament held in Madrid, Spain. As runner-up, D.C. United will get a berth into the Super Group in the 2009 Dallas Cup youth tournament in Frisco, Texas. The two semifinalists, Toronto FC and Chivas USA, won a spot in the Dallas Cup U-19 group.