Real Monarchs 0 vs. Rio Grande Valley FC 3
August 4, 2021; Zions Bank Stadium
Real Monarchs (3-10-4, 13 points); Rio Grande Valley FC (8-4-4, 28 points)
Man of the Match: Defender Daniel Flores flew around the pitch on the night, covering a lot of space for the Monarchs. The 18-year-old RSL Academy product recorded five tackles, three clearances and an interception in defense, including an important sliding tackle on a breakaway to thwart a chance for the visitors. Additionally, the defender won eight duels overall, including one duel in the air, as well as having one of the team’s best chances at goal.
Telling Stat: It was a chippy, physical match between the sides tonight, causing the center referee to hand out nine total yellow cards, including two to Monarchs midfielder Ibrahim Bancé that resulted in an ejection in the 76th minute, as a result he will be unavailable for this weekend’s match against San Diego Loyal.
What You Missed: After recording his first two professional goals in back-to-back matches for the Monarchs, forward Charlie Wehan missed tonight’s match against the Toros with an injury. In addition, forward Milan Iloski returned to Head Coach Jamison Olave’s starting XI tonight after missing the previous match against El Paso Locomotive FC with hamstring tightness.
So What: In a quick turn-around, the Real Monarchs travel to San Diego, California to take on San Diego Loyal SC at Torero Stadium this Saturday, August 7 at 8:30 p.m. MT. This match marks the beginning of a four-game road swing for the Monarchs, the club’s longest away stretch since the 2016 season.
