HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday, July 8, 2022) – Real Monarchs (1-11-2, 5 points, 11th in West) are set to visit Houston Dynamo 2 (8-3-2, 27 points, 4th in West) at AVEVA Stadium on Sunday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. MT. The team is currently looking to capitalize on its first MLS NEXT Pro win against Portland Timbers 2 this past weekend.
Sunday's match, as well as all Real Monarchs matches this season, will be streamed live via www.MLSnextPro.com.
Real Monarchs vs Houston Dynamo 2
AVEVA Stadium, Houston, Texas
Sunday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. MT
Game Notes for Saturday’s RM vs HOU game Available Online
The Adobe PDF version of the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Game Guide in advance of Sunday’s contest between Real Monarchs and Houston Dynamo 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 (1-11-2, 5 points); Houston Dynamo 2 (8-3-2, 27 points)
Head-to-Head: In the first-ever matchup between the two sides, Real Monarchs fell 1-0 to Houston Dynamo 2 at Zions Bank Stadium after a late goal from defender Micael Dos Santos Silva. The Monarchs held a slight advantage in possession with 50.7%, shots with nine to Houston’s seven, and saves, three to two, despite not being able to secure points at home. Sunday’s match will be the first match between the Western Conference foes at Houston’s home stadium.
FIRST THREE POINTS
In its last match, Real Monarchs earned its first-ever win in MLS NEXT Pro, defeating TImbers 2 4-0. Real Salt Lake Homegrowns Chris Garcia and Axel Kei shined in the Monarchs commanding victory with both finding the back of the net with Garcia also earning his first two assists of the season. Midfielder Tyrone Mondi joined in on the scoring spree as well, securing his second brace of the 2022 campaign.
Additionally, goalkeeper Gavin Beavers was dominant between the posts, pocketing his first clean sheet in MLS NEXT Pro’s inaugural season. Beavers received help from the backline as well, only needing to save one shot throughout the match. The Club also dominated on the stat sheet, leading in every major statistical category.
FORMATION CHANGE
In the Monarchs’ win, Head Coach Jamison Olave adjusted the formation from the typical 4-3-3 style to a 3-5-2. The new formation brought a stout defense and an attacking arsenal that had not been seen in previous matches. The three center backs shut down any attack from Timbers 2, pitching its first shutout of the season while the attack was in full force, firing 14 shots and seven on target.
Forward Chris Garcia moved from playing on the wings to a central position and thrived, assisting two goals, scoring one himself and leading in shots with six and shots on target with three. Midfielder Tyrone Mondi, who has played several positions this season, stepped into the attacking midfielder role and netted his second brace of the season while forward Axel Kei found the back of net for the second time in the last four matches with Friday’s win being his first match playing with a second center striker. Midfielder Pedro Fonseca joined in on the fun in his return to the Starting XI, earning two assists as well. Additionally, RSL Homegrown Bode “Davis” Hidalgo flourished in the wingback position, slightly adjusting from a typical fullback, setting up Mondi’s first goal, firing two shots of his own, and leading the Club in key passes with three.
KEEPING THE BALL OUT OF THE NET
While Real Monarchs Goalkeeper Gavin Beavers recorded his first clean sheet of the season on Friday against Timbers 2, Dynamo 2’s Xavier Valdez is tied for second in MLS NEXT Pro with four shutouts trailing only New England Revolutions II’s Jacob Jackson who has 5 clean sheets. Beavers only needed to record one save against Portland thanks to some stout performances from his backline.
In order for Beavers to earn his second clean sheet of the season, he’ll need to be aware of the deep shots from Houston as they have scored five times from outside the 18 yard box, good enough for a three-way tie at second place in the league with Orlando City B and St. Louis City 2 while only trailing New York City FC II and Colorado Rapids 2 who both have scored six times from distance this season.
