Real Monarchs 0 vs. 2 Colorado Rapids 2
September 9, 2023; University of Denver Soccer Stadium; Denver, Colorado
Real Monarchs (8-12-5, 31 points); Colorado Rapids 2 (16-4-5, 57 points)
Telling Stats: Real Monarchs were eliminated from the playoffs after their second loss to Colorado Rapids 2 on the year and their third loss in the last four matchups against Rapids 2. This also ended the Monarchs unbeaten streak as they lost for the first time since August 6th and with the shutout loss it became the 11th game of the season where the Monarchs weren’t able to find the back of the net.
What You Missed: The first chance of the game came when Terron Williams dribbled his way through defenders into the 18-yard-box and found Axel Kei to his left who ricocheted his shot off of the post in the fourth minute of play. Rapids 2 brought on an onslaught of chances thereafter on Blake Kelly and his defenders who held them off easily until Oliver Larrraz glided through defenders in the box and snuck it under Kelly’s outstretched arms to give Rapids 2 the 1-0 advantage in the 29th minute. Just a minute later, the Colorado goalkeeper came soaring out of goal and Williams took his chance at tying the game up but he sent it into the side netting. Rapids 2 continued their attacking pressure in the second half and in the 53rd minute Kelly had a diving save to keep the Monarchs from going down by a two goal deficit. Owen Anderson provided the Monarchs with their next chance at goal after a good service was played into the box, however he had to reach back for the header which sent it up and comfortably into the arms of the Rapids 2 keeper in the 63rd minute. Monarchs’ efforts to tie the game continued as in the 69th minute Williams connected with Kei once again in the box however Kei shot directly at the keeper who smothered the ball up with ease. Monarchs upped their pressure and consequently threatened the goal more however after a quick counter attack Rapids 2 got their second through Remi Cabral in the 85th minute for the 2-0 advantage. Monarchs weren’t able to produce anything as they were eliminated from the playoffs with the 2-0 loss.
What’s Next?: Real Monarchs head home to face Tacoma Defiance on Friday, September 15 at 8 p.m. MT for their last regular season matchup at Zions Bank Stadium. This will be the third time this season the two sides have faced each other. The Monarchs have lost the previous two, but they will look to win in the final home match of the season.
