HERRIMAN, Utah (Thursday, August 4, 2022) – Real Monarchs (2-13-2, 8 points, 10th in West) are set to host Whitecaps FC 2 (7-4-7, 31 points, 6th in West) on Friday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m. MT at Zions Bank Stadium as part of the Club’s annual Pups at the Pitch Night. The Monarchs will look to build on recent home success and build to a five match home undefeated streak across all competitions.
Friday’s match, as well as all Real Monarchs matches this season, will be streamed live via www.MLSnextPro.com.
Real Monarchs vs Whitecaps FC 2
Zions Bank Stadium; Herriman, Utah
Friday, August 5 at 6:30 p.m. MT
Game Notes for Friday’s RM vs WFC2 game Available Online
The Adobe PDF version of the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Game Guide in advance of Friday’s contest between Real Monarchs and Whitecaps FC 2 can be found here. Media members looking to receive the document as an attachment or have further questions are asked to please contact Meg Van Dyk in RSL Communications via email at meg.vandyk@rsl.com.
2022 Records: Real Monarchs (2-13-2, 8 points); Whitecaps FC 2 (7-4-7, 31 points)
Head-to-Head: Prior to joining MLS NEXT Pro, Real Monarchs and Whitecaps FC 2 each competed in the U.S. Division II setup, USL Championship. The two clubs consistently played in tight competitions with all matches being decided by a margin of one goal and the Monarchs posting a 1-2-2 (W-L-T) all-time record against the club from up North before WFC2 disbanded in 2017. Since joining the newly-formed league, the Monarchs have posted a 0-1-1 record against the Canadian side, including a 2-2 draw at home behind a brace from the penalty spot by midfielder Pedro Fonseca. In the most recent match, the Utah side fell 4-0 to WFC2 after a red card in the 19th minute shown to defender Golden Mafwenta left the Monarchs shorthanded for the majority of the match.
PENALTY KING
Midfielder Pedro Foneseca has been clinical from the penalty mark this season, burying all but one shot from the penalty mark this season. After another penalty kick goal last match against San Jose Earthquakes II, four of Fonseca’s seven goals scored across all competitions have been from the spot, with three of his five attempts coming against WFC2 in the clubs’ first meetings this season. The Brazilian scored on the first two attempts in regulation before having his third blocked by the goalkeeper in the penalty shootout.
BUILDING A FORTRESS AT HOME
While Real Monarchs have struggled on the road, the Utah side is starting to pick up steam at home, earning 11 out of 12 possible points across all competitions in the last four matches. During said period, the Monarchs faced opponents including Timbers 2, Sporting Kansas City II, Chelsea U-21, and Wolves U-21. The Club outscored its opponents 9-2 while also posting three shutouts and winning its first penalty shootout of the year.
Between the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational and regular-season play, the Monarchs have seen stellar performances from RSL Homegrowns Gavin Beavers, Axel Kei and Chris Garcia, while Monarchs contracted midfielders Pedro Fonseca and Tyrone Mondi also shined in front of the international audience.
STARS AND STRIPES
Goalkeeper Gavin Beavers will return to the team before Friday’s matchup after spending the last week with the United States U-19 Youth National Team squad in Carson, California. Following strong performances at home and in the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational, the RSL Homegrown earned his third invitation of the year to join the national side. During the last four home games, Beavers has allowed only two goals while posting three shutouts against Timbers 2, Sporting Kansas City II and Wolves U-21.
