Real Monarchs SLC 2 vs Orange County SC 0
October 9, 2019; Herriman, Utah; Zions Bank Stadium
Real Monarchs SLC (14-10-7, 49 points); Orange County SC (13-10-9, 48 points)
Man of the Match: Midfielder Maikel Chang made major contributions to secure the win, the three points, and ultimately the playoff berth for Real Monarchs with his performance at Zions Bank Stadium on Wednesday. Chang took four shots towards goal, one of which earned Chang his 12th goal of the season after rounding the OCSC goalkeeper. Chang also put in his work in the midfield completing 86% of his passes and winning 60% of his duels.
Telling Stat: 57.6%. The Monarchs combined to win 57.6% of its duels to come away with the ball and begin the counter attack. Kicking off the counter attack after winning the possession proved to be key as the Monarchs were able to find its second goal of the night to earn the win.
What You Missed: Six Real Salt Lake players featured for Real Monarchs in its first home match after a three-game road stretch. GK Andrew Putna, DF Erik Holt, MFs Luke Mulholland, Kelyn Rowe, Tate Schmitt, and Justin Poritllo all made an appearance in the Monarchs Starting XI. MF Maikel Chang recorded his 12th goal of the 2019 season off a pass that earned MF Jack Blake his first assist of the season. Meanwhile, Putna secured his fourth shutout and the seventh for Real Monarchs in 2019 with three massive saves throughout the night to lock down the Monarchs goal.
So What:With three games still remaining in the 2019 regular season, the midweek win at Zions Bank Stadium saw Real Monarchs SLC clinch its third consecutive playoff appearance in the USL Championship Playoffs. Now with 49 points, Real Monarchs vaulted over OCSC and Sacramento Republic FC to take fourth in the Western Conference. The battle for the spot still wages as the Monarchs sit just a point above Orange County and Sacramento but with games in hand. Next, Real Monarchs move to play its final road game of the season when it goes south to Arizona to play league-leaders Phoenix Rising FC in the Four-Corners Cup Finale. The contest is set for Saturday, October 12 where kickoff from Casino Arizona Field is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. MT. The match-up can be watched live via ESPN+.
