Real Monarchs 1 vs. 0 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
September 1, 2023; Zions Bank Stadium; Herriman, Utah_Real Monarchs (8-12-5, 31 points); Vancouver Whitecaps 2 (8-11-6, 33 points)_
Man of the Match: In just his second start with the Real Monarchs, 15-year-old USYNT standout and RSL Academy prospect Will Mackay held Vancouver Whitecaps 2 scoreless for his second clean sheet of the year. Mackay’s fantastic goalkeeping was reminiscent of a grizzled veteran as he made smart decisions and multiple saves that prevented Vancouver from finding the back of the net.
Telling Stats: Real Monarchs found their second win of the season at Zions Bank Stadium improving their home record to 2W-7L-4D. The Monarchs are unbeaten in their last five matches, a new record for the team in MLS NEXT Pro competition. By staying unbeaten and finding their sixth clean sheet of the season against Vancouver, Real Monarchs remain in the playoff hunt.
What You Missed: Both sides exchanged looks in and around the 18-yard-box early and often. RSL Homegrown forwards Zavier Gozo, Terron Williams, and Axel Kei posed a threat for Vancouver Whitecaps 2 with their combination of agile dribbling and swift movement on the pitch. In the 16th minute an excellent counter attack from the trio created a dangerous look but the eventual shot from Gozo fell wide. In the 24th minute 15-year-old Kei created another impressive chance when he beat his defender with a combination of pace and strength, getting ample space to fire a shot on target that was saved by the ‘keeper’s fingertips. Despite Real Monarchs creating a flurry of chances they were unable to score before the half heading to the locker room tied 0-0. After a drought of scoring opportunities at the start of the second half, Bobby Pierre connected a lofted ball onto the head of brother Delentze Pierre who nudged the ball into the back of the net to give the Monarchs the 1-0 advantage in the 69th minute. The Monarchs closed out the remainder of the match with clinical defense, picking up all three points at home.
What’s Next?: Real Monarchs head across the Rockies to face rivals Colorado Rapids 2 for the second time this season on Saturday, September 9 with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. MT. In July, Rapids 2 defeated the Monarchs at Zions Bank Stadium 4-1 before the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational break.
