Real Monarchs SLC 1 at LA Galaxy II 3
September 7, 2019; Carson, California; Dignity Health Sports Park
Real Monarchs SLC (10-9-7, 37 points); LA Galaxy II (10-8-9, 39 points)
Man of the Match: Forward Kyle Coffee came close to goal on the attacking front for the Monarchs on Saturday night. Coffee nearly pulled back the score line with a low shot that went just inches wide and again with a header from Noah Powder’s cross that missed the mark as well. In just 23 touches, Coffee took his chances and won six out of six duels as the Monarchs fought to level out the scoring.
Telling Stat: 4. The man in front of goal for Real Monarchs, Andrew Putna, made four incredible saves throughout the night to limit the damage done to the Monarchs goal. LA Galaxy II had seven shots on target and zero off target, testing Putna into big saves. While three may have found the back of the net, Putna’s heroics between the pipes kept the Monarchs with a fighting chance for a point on the road.
What You Missed: Real Monarchs SLC fell on the road against LA Galaxy II as RSL man MF Justin Portillo notched the lone Monarchs goal with a curving left-footed shot that found the top corner of the far post. GK Andrew Putna made four massive saves throughout the night, blocking four of the seven shots on target for Los Dos. While the Monarchs fought with possession to claim a point, it would be LA Galaxy II that walked away with the three points in hand.
So What: The loss at Dignity Health Sports Park leaves the Monarchs without a win in its last five games. Paired with results elsewhere on the Western Conference table, Real Monarchs SLC dropped to 8th in the West with 37 points, only one point above the playoff line. In a table where eight points separates 4th from 14th, every point counts as the Monarchs looks to finish the season strong with eight games remaining. The next contest will be played at home in Zions Bank Stadium, where the Monarchs will host Portland Timbers 2 FC. The critical Western Conference matchup is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, where the afternoon kickoff from Herriman is set for 1:00 p.m. MT.
