Real Monarchs 3 vs. 3 Los Angeles Galaxy II
Jun 9, 2023; Zions Bank Stadium; Herriman, Utah_Real Monarchs (4-7-1, 14 points); Los Angeles Galaxy II (2-8-3, 11 points)_
Man of the Match: **Ilijah Paul** was a dynamic attacking force against Los Angeles Galaxy II constantly threatening the final third. Paul’s efforts in the box notched the forward a brace and his last second goal in stoppage time allowed the Monarchs to claim a point at home and sent the match into kicks from the penalty spot. Paul also finished the penalty opportunity created by Gilberto Garcia which opened the scoring and gave the Monarchs, as well as finished his kick from the penalty spot helping the Monarchs snatch an additional point at home.
Telling Stats: Matchups between Los Angeles Galaxy II and the Real Monarchs continue to be high scoring affairs. While competing in the USL Championship the average amount of goals scored between these two teams averaged more than 3 goals a game. In MLS NEXT Pro the trend continues with both teams scoring three goals each in their first matchup since 2020. After the game ended in a 3-3 stalemate the match concluded in kicks from the penalty spot. The Monarchs defeated Galaxy II in the shootout to claim a 2-1 record at home in matches that have ended in kicks from the penalty spot.
What You Missed: Real Monarchs were the first to find the back of the net after creating aggressive looks in LA Galaxy II’s penalty area early and often. In the 7th minute Gilberto Garcia weaved through multiple defenders within the penalty box before he was fouled by Matteo Carbone. Carbone was awarded a caution after the foul and the Monarchs were given a penalty kick. Illijah Paul was elected to take the penalty and sent a screaming knuckleball down the middle into the back of the net to put Real Monarchs up 1-0. The lead however wouldn’t last as Galaxy II responded with a goal of their own in the 14th minute. After **Fernando Delgado** was caught off his line, Los Angeles was able to sneak a low cross past the face of goal into the feet of Aaron Bibout who tapped the ball in drawing Galaxy II even with the Monarchs. Despite a valiant attacking effort from the Monarchs the remainder of the first half they were unable to pull away from Los Dos before the conclusion of the first. At the commencement of the second half the Monarchs were determined to gain the lead over Los Angeles. In the 49th minute **Moses Nyeman**’s corner kick connected with Amferny Sinclair for a header that snuck over the goal line underneath an outstretched ‘keeper to put the Monarchs up 2-1. The City of Angels side soon retaliated in the 68th minute when Adrián González slotted a left footed shot past Delgado which tied the score once again. In the 84th minute Galaxy II continued to attack the final third and quickly found an additional goal when Alijah Amadin slotted the ball between the woodwork. The Monarch's, determined to pick up points at home, created an additional goal in stoppage time as **Luis Rivera** lofted a ball past the backline to Paul who tapped the ball in to send the match to kicks from the penalty spot. Real Monarchs were able to pick up an additional point when they won the kick from the penalty spot shootout 5-4 after trailing 2-0 in the first two rounds.
What’s Next?: Real Monarchs travel North of the border to Burnaby, British Columbia to meet Canadian foe Vancouver Whitecaps 2 on Thursday, May 15 7:00 pm MT at Swangaurd Stadium. Whitecaps 2 posted the fourth best record in MLS Next Pro and sit only behind Colorado Rapids 2 on the Western Conference table, whereas the Monarchs have been unable to string together back to back wins while on the road.
