Real Monarchs 2 (2) vs. Whitecaps 2 (4)_
April 2, 2022; Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah_
Real Monarchs (0-1-1, 1 point); Whitecaps 2 (0-1-1, 1 points)
Man of the Match: Captain Pedro Fonseca scored the first goal of the new Real Monarchs era, their first in MLS NEXT Pro and his first-ever professional goal, calmly slotting in a penalty kick into the bottom-left corner of the frame. In the final moments of the match he netted the equalizer, once again putting away a penalty kick off a foul in the box by the Whitecaps keeper.
Telling Stat: All but three players on the gameday roster hail from the RSL Academy, the only exceptions being Real Salt Lake defender Nick Besler who was playing with the Monarchs on rehab assignment, and midfielders Pedro Fonseca and Leo Torres. Meaning, 81 percent of the Real Monarchs gameday roster was developed within the Club’s academy system.
What You Missed: Real Monarchs earned their first point of the season from a 2-2 draw at home against Whitecaps 2. The team had the opportunity to earn a second point in the newly implemented penalty kick shootout following a draw, but Vancouver’s goalkeeper made two saves and was thus awarded the extra point. Additionally, the team was able to over come a 2-1 deficit with a man down for much of the second half to earn the draw.
What’s Next: Real Monarchs will remain at home, hosting Minnesota United 2 on Friday, April 8, kickoff from Zions Bank Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m. MT. After which Real Monarchs will have a two-week break before heading back on the road to take on Portland Timbers 2 on Sunday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. MT.
