RSL Academy FW Axel Kei Makes History During Real Monarchs Match

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake Academy forward Axel Kei made American sports history during the latest Real Monarchs SLC soccer match.

The Monarchs hosted Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Friday, October 8.

During the 61st minute of action, Kei was inserted into the game.

Kei was born in the Ivory Coast before relocating with his family to California as a child. Last year, Kei spent his first season at the RSL Academy and led all goalscorers on the U-15 team. This year, his form with the Academy has continued as he embarks on his second season in Herriman, Utah.

Kei’s appearance at 13 years, nine months, and nine days old made history as he became the youngest athlete in American team sports history to play in a professional contest.

History on a Friday night in Herriman, Utah from one of our own.

Axel Kei becomes the youngest to appear for a professional American sports team at 13 years, 9 months and 9 days! pic.twitter.com/uOcmcsUDi3

— Real Salt Lake Academy (@RSLAcademy) October 9, 2021

The match ended in a scoreless draw.

“In the second half, we were able to fall into a rhythm ourselves,” Monarch’s assistant coach Cody Warden said after the game.

THIRTEEN. YEARS. OLD.

Axel Kei 🤯 #SLCvCOS https://t.co/2PwKdcF7qA

— USL Championship (@USLChampionship) October 9, 2021

With the result, the Monarchs moved to a 4-18-6 record worth 18 points on the season.

The club’s next match is at home against Austin Bold FC on Saturday, October 16 at 1:00 p.m. (MDT). The match will be streamed on the KSL Sports app and on KSLSports.com.