Man of the Match: Moses Nyeman capped a solid 90-minute-plus performance in the Monarchs midfield with a stunning free kick goal in the dying seconds of stoppage time to steal all three points from North Texas SC. Nyeman took a three-step run up before striking the ball with his right foot, whipping the ball into the top right corner beating an outstretched Antonio Carrera, his first-ever goal in MLS or MLS NEXT Pro competition.
Telling Stats: The Monarchs handed North Texas SC just their fifth loss in their last 36 games at Choctaw Stadium. Last season, North Texas conceded just seven points and boasted a 8-1-2 record at home, and outscored the Monarchs 7-0 over two matchups. Nyeman’s goal marked the first-ever goal scored by a Monarchs player against North Texas, also giving them their first-ever win over the squad from Arlington.
What You Missed: The first half was fairly uneventful as both sides played very conservative, defensive soccer. The match’s first shot on target came from the Monarchs’ Griffin Dillon in the 58th minute, but was handled easily by the North Texas goalkeeper. Moments later the hosts threatened to score, but Omar Alba’s goal line clearance kept the match scoreless. Frenchman Bertin Jacquesson had a couple of chances late in the game, including a shot inside the box in the 90+2nd minute but it wasn’t enough to beat the keeper. With time running out, Tyrone Mondi was tackled from behind just outside the 18-yard-box, earning a late free kick. Moses Nyeman stepped up to take it, curling in a picture perfect shot in the 90+5th minute to clinch the Monarchs’ second win of the season.
What’s Next?: The Monarchs look to continue their winning form as they return to Zions Bank Stadium searching for the first home victory of the season against Portland Timbers2 on Sunday, April 30 at 4:00 pm M.T.
