New Zealand lost to the U-18 outfit 3-2 but fought back from 3-0 down with goals from substitutes Ken Yamamoto and James Debenham amongst an improved second-half performance.
“There are a few players that have put their hands up for roles in the starting eleven or reinforced that they can have an impact coming off the bench,” McFarland said.
“All games tend to open up towards the end but the players that came on showed no fear and were rewarded for being able to keep the ball that little bit longer.
The opposition today was tougher than on Sunday. They were older than us and a very talented group of full-time academy players. It was a good game for us as their style will emulate our first opponents Uzbekistan who like to keep the ball and build possession.”
The Young All Whites started strongly with Bill Tuiloma heading just wide in the first minute from a Cameron Howieson free kick, before the Real Salt Lake side started to gain ascendency with their movement and passing game. But it wasn’t until the 15th minute that Scott Baslaj’s gloves were stung by the first shot in anger from the opposition.
Seven minutes later it was 1-0 after a neat turn on the edge of the area created an opening for Real Salt Lake which they took, a 20-yard drive past the helpless Baslaj.
Defensively, the Kiwis managed to hold out their impressive opposition until half-time when coach Aaron McFarland made three changes – Cameron Martin for Jesse Edge, Ryan Howlett for Jordan Vale, and Debenham for Dylan Stansfield.
The introduction of the pace of Howlett and Debenham proved a key change with both impressing in a much more energetic second-half performance.
However, it started terribly with Baslaj called into action moments after the restart and then picking the ball out of the net in the 47th minute after the back four were penetrated and the custodian beaten with a cool finish from inside the area.
It became 3-0 in the 54th minute when a defensive error was punished, leaving Real Salt Lake with just the goalkeeper to beat.
McFarland cleared the bench after an hour and the substitutes set about reducing the deficit. Their hard work was rewarded in the 74th minute with Yamamoto tapping in after Stephen Carmichael collided heavily with the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper, leaving both players on the deck. Carmichael returned to his feet shortly after showing no ill-effects from the clash.
Seven minutes later it was 3-2 after Kip Colvey played the pacy Howlett in down the right with a delightful ball. Despite a heavy first touch the winger squared for Debenham who made no mistake from an acute angle, smashing the ball into the net to earn just reward for an industrious 45 minutes.
New Zealand pushed for the equaliser as the clock counted down but despite their best efforts were unable to find the net again.
The group travels to Mexico tomorrow to begin final preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup where they play Uzbekistan on Tuesday (NZT) followed by Czech Republic and USA.
Tour Match
Francisco Grande Sports World
Casa Grande, Arizona
June 14, 2011
Real Salt Lake U-18 3 (22’, 47’ 54’)
New Zealand U-17 2 (Ken YAMAMOTO 74’, James DEBENHAM 81’)
Halftime: 1-0
New Zealand: 1-Scott BALAJ (GK / 20-Scott ARMISTEAD 60′), 2-Harshae RANIGA, 4-Reece LAMBERT (18-Calvin OPPERMAN 60′), 5-Luke ADAMS (captain / 7-Kip COLVEY 60′), 8-Rhys JORDAN (17-Harley TAHAU 60′), 12-Jesse EDGE (13-Cameron MARTIN 46′), 6-Jordan VALE (14-Ryan HOWLETT 46′), 9-Tim PAYNE (Ken YAMAMOTO 60’), 10-Cameron HOWIESON (3-Stephen CARMICHAEL 60′), 15-Dylan STANSFIELD (11-James DEBENHAM 46′).
Substitute not used: 21-Liam ANDERSON (GK)
Coach: Aaron McFARLAND

FIFA U-17 World Cup Mexico 2011
June 18 – July 10
New Zealand v Uzbekistan
Estadio Torreon
Torreon, Mexico
June 19, 3pm (June 20, 8am NZT)
New Zealand v Czech Republic
Estadio Torreon
Torreon, Mexico
June 22, 6pm (June 23, 11am NZT)
New Zealand v USA
Estadio Hidalgo
Pachuca, Mexico
June 25, 6pm (June 26, 11am NZT)
Story courtesy of New Zealand Football.
For more on New Zealand football go to www.nzfootball.co.nz