Real Monarchs 1 vs 2 Portland Timbers2
September 24, 2023; Providence Park; Portland, Oregon
Real Monarchs (8-15-5, 31 points; 12th West) vs Portland Timbers2 (11-16-1, 34 points; 11th West)
What You Missed: Goals came early and often for both sides, with Portland opening up the scoring in the eighth minute when Florián Monzón tapped in a rebound after a valiant save from Monarchs ‘keeper Blake Kelly. Timbers2 doubled the lead just moments later, as unmarked Josh Penn ran onto the end of a cross inside the penalty area. Just a minute later in the 11th Gershon Henry pulled one back for the Monarchs, volleying in a shot over the top of the ‘keeper for his first career goal, cutting Portland’s lead to 2-1. Searching for an equalizer in the second half, the Monarchs were kept in the game by Kelly after he made an important save in the 56th minute, denying a third goal from Portland. The Monarchs continued throughout the second half threatening for an equalizer, testing the Portland keeper often. However, the Monarchs were unable to break through, dropping a close match 2-1.
Telling Stats: Real Monarchs are now 7W-5L-1D all-time against Portland, losing to Timbers2 for the first time this season after winning both at home and on the road earlier this year by a combined score of 8-3. The Monarchs finish the season with a 8-15-5 record with 31 points, significantly improving upon last year’s 6-14-4 record with 23 points. The Monarchs also increased their goal total from 2022 (23), scoring an extra four goals this campaign.
What’s Next?: Today’s match concluded the 2023 MLSNEXT Pro regular season. The first team still has four matches left in the MLS regular season before a potential playoff run. RSL Academy begins its season next weekend in the Bay Area.
