HERRIMAN, Utah (Sunday, July 23, 2023) - Real Monarchs (6-10-2, 21 points, 12th West) will face TSG Hoffenheim U23 on Pioneer Day Monday, July 24 at Zions Bank Stadium with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. MT. The Monarch’s and TSG Hoffenheim will both look to extend their win streaks during the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Invitational, as both sides have yet to lose a match.
In their last match Real Monarchs completed a 2-1 comeback victory against Crystal Palace U21 during their first match of the Invitational Tournament. Crystal Palace was the first to score after notching a free kick between the posts past outstretched RSL Homegrown Gavin Beavers in the 31st minute. Despite significantly outshooting Palace the Monarchs were unable to equalize before heading to the locker room. Determined to get the win, the Monarchs began the second half much like the first outplaying Crystal Palace U21. In the 51st minute their efforts to score would prove fruitful after Bertin Jacquesson notched the equalizer off a well placed pass by Homegrown Bode Hidalgo. The Monarch’s would have trouble finding the go ahead goal until the 83rd minute when substitute and current RSL Academy player Owen Anderson collected a deflection off the keeper and slotted the ball into goal for the game winner.
TSG Hoffenheim have gone undefeated so far during the tournament claiming convincing victories over both Colorado Rapids 2 and Crystal Palace U21. In their last match Hoffenheim was able to notch two goals against Palace while executing a high amount of pressure to their opponent’s back line. The Monarch’s are yet to face a team that has executed a defensive press such as Hoffenheim. This will pose a particular challenge for a Real Monarchs team that has only competed 78 percent of their short passes and 45 percent of their long balls in MLS NEXT Pro competition, which are two of the worst marks in the league.
Jámison Olave’s side will rely on the chemistry that they have garnered over the course of the MLS NEXT Pro regular season as they will be without a few key Real Salt Lake stars that helped lift the team over Crystal Palace U21.
What’s Next: Real Monarchs will resume MLS NEXT Pro regular season competition this coming Friday, July 28 facing Houston Dynamo at Zions Bank Stadium with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. MT. In their last meeting earlier this season Real Monarchs were shutout by Houston on May 14 losing 3-0.
