HERRIMAN, Utah (Thursday, August 23, 2023) – Following a 0-0 draw against Los Angeles Galaxy II on August 19, Real Monarchs (6-12-5, 25 points, 12th in West) continue the 2023 campaign with their second consecutive match in Southern California, facing LAFC2 at Titan Stadium on Friday (8:00p MT). After their stint of games in the City of Angels the Monarchs will return home to Zions Bank Stadium, September 1 to host Vancouver Whitecaps (8:00p MT; tickets available at https://www.rsl.com/monarchs/tickets/)
Real Monarchs arrive at Titan Stadium unbeaten in their last three matches having secured points against Earthquakes II, North Texas SC, and Galaxy II. By remaining unbeaten in their last three competitions Real Monarchs have given themselves an outside shot to qualify for the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs. Currently the Western Conference seventh seed is held by Minnesota United with 36 points; in order for the Monarchs to keep their playoff hopes alive and pressure opponents above them in the table the Utah side must win all five of their remaining matches beginning with LAFC2 on the road. While playing opponents outside of the Beehive State, Real Monarchs have posted an impressive 5W-5L-1D record and in their last four on the road have been able to collect two wins and a draw.
In their last meeting with LAFC2, Real Monarchs suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of forward Yekeson Subah, who played with the Monarchs during the inaugural 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season. Despite outshooting LAFC2 by nine and holding a significant advantage in corners the Monarchs were unable to prevent Subah’s chance from finding the back of the net in the first meeting between these teams. The 1-0 loss against LAFC2 was just the third time this season that the Monarchs have been beaten by a goal differential of one and it was the only time this season that the team has lost while outshooting their opponent. As Head Coach Jamison Olave’s roster returns to full strength with players returning from injury and regaining form, including the teams 2022 leading goal scorer Tyrone Mondi and RSL Homegrown Axel Kei, Real Monarchs will attempt to spark a run of victories in hunt of the final Western Conference playoff seed.
