Real Monarchs SLC 6 vs Orange County SC 2
October 26, 2019; Herriman, Utah; Zions Bank Stadium (5 West)
Man of the Match: Defender Tate Schmitt was everywhere on the pitch for Real Monarchs on Saturday. Throughout the 90 minutes, Schmitt provided three assists – one for Maikel Chang on the opening goal, and two for Jack Blake in his brace – while finding a goal of his own with a picture-perfect volley in the 77th minute. Behind the ball, Schmitt protected the score line when he made a goal line clearance after the OCSC attack found one past David Ochoa. Schmitt’s effort on the pitch was crucial in the 6-2 win in the Western Conference Quarterfinal match earning him Man of the Match.
Telling Stat: 11. Using its 83.6% passing accuracy to its advantage, Real Monarchs were able to set up 11 key passes to make threats towards goal. The passing play within the final third benefited the team with six goals out of the nine shots that were on frame. The chemistry between the Monarchs players showed in the statement win.
What You Missed: Real Monarchs SLC earned its first-ever playoff win as it dominated Orange County SC at home. MF Maikel Chang and FW Douglas Martínez each found the back of the net within 30 minutes of the opening whistle, while DF Tate Schmitt and DF Erik Holt doubled the scoring in the second half. MF Jack Blake also provided a second-half brace to cement the six goals – the most single-game goals in franchise history – to earn the Quarterfinal win.
So What: Real Monarchs now moves one step closer to the USL Championship Trophy by earning its spot in the Western Conference Semifinal. After the result of the Phoenix Rising FC and Austin Bold FC match-up last Saturday, Real Monarchs will travel to Arizona to face the 2019 Regular Season winners. The heavyweight Western Conference bout is set for Friday, November 1 where kickoff from Casino Arizona Field is set for 8:30 p.m. MT. The match will be available to watch live on ESPN+.
