Real Monarchs 0 vs 3 Austin FC II
June 2, 2023; Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center; Austin, Texas
Real Monarchs (4-7-0, 12 points); Austin FC II (6-3-3, 22 points)
Telling Stats: Coming into the match Real Monarchs had the fewest shots and chances on goal in the league, and failed to tally any significant number in either category in the loss to Austin FC II. The 3-0 loss marks the sixth time that the Monarchs have been held scoreless this season, surpassing Inter Miami CF II for most shutout losses this season. The team has also scored the second-fewest goals (nine) and holds the worst goal differential (-13) in MLS NEXT Pro. The Monarchs fall to an even 3-3-0 record on the road, with a chance to improve on their 1-4-0 record at home next week against LA Galaxy II.
What You Missed: The Monarchs wasted no time to test Austin’s keeper as **Terron Williams** fired the first shot of the game just 18 seconds in, but the attempt was pushed aside. Williams had another chance on goal in the 18th minute, but his shot was deflected off a defender into the keeper’s hands. **Griffin Dillon** was in behind the Austin backline in the 31st after controlling a perfectly weighted aerial pass, sliding to a bouncing ball and sending it just wide of the far post. The hosts struck gold in the 38th minute after pouncing on a poor defensive clearance, as David Rodríguez chested down the loose ball and struck a volley shot off the bounce from inside the box to beat Derrek Chan. Los Verdes nearly doubled their lead in stoppage time, but Chan made an unorthodox jumping save at the top of the box to deny the opportunity. Just two minutes into the second half Austin FC II found their second goal when David Rodríguez forced an error in the Monarchs defense and side-stepped a charging Chan, scoring on a vacant net to notch a brace. Austin FC II scored a third insurance goal in the 81st minute courtesy of a one-touch strike from Valentin Noël.
What’s Next?: Real Monarchs return home to Zion’s Bank Stadium to take on LA Galaxy II next Friday, June 9 at 8:00 p.m. MT before hitting the road again, traveling north of the border to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. MT.
