Herriman, Utah (Friday, June 17, 2022) – In the team’s return to Zions Bank Stadium, Real Monarchs (0-10-2, 2 points) were held scoreless against San Jose Earthquakes II, dropping a 1-0 result at home.
In the midst of gusting winds, the two sides struggled to establish dominance on either side of the ball. The best chance of the first half came in the 13th minute, when Homegrown forward Axel Kei pushed the ball through the center of the pitch to find fellow Homegrown Chris Garcia at the top of the box. Garcia fired a low shot, but goalkeeper Matt Bersano was able to get an outstretched hand on the ball. On the rebound Garcia took a second shot, but it was, once again, saved by the ‘keeper.
In the 43rd minute, the Monarchs were forced to make an early substitution when defender Pierre Reedy went down after taking a shot to the head, Ugandan international Aziz Kayondo replaced him and the half ended scoreless just moments later.
Coming out of the halftime break, Earthquakes II started out on the front foot, scoring in the 49th minute when William Richmond sent a low cross in towards Maximillian Arfsten who stuck a foot out to direct his shot in between Jaziel Orozco and goalkeeper Gavin Beavers to open the scoring.
Real Monarchs looked to respond when Kei broke through the San Jose defensive line to find himself with just the goalkeeper between him and goal, but his touch around Bersano was wrapped up. With minutes winding down on the clock, the Monarchs pressed forward pushing a flurry of chances into San Jose’s 18-yard-box, but the Earthquakes dropped their defensive line to withstand the waves of attack and the match ended 1-0 in favor of the visiting side.
UP NEXT: Real Monarchs will now travel to Missouri to take on 2023 MLS expansion side St. Louis City 2 on Saturday, June 25 at 5:00 p.m. MT. The Club will return to Zions Bank Stadium on Friday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m. MT to take on Western Conference rivals Timbers 2. Tickets are available for just $5 at rsl.com/monarchs/tickets/.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
SJ: Maximilian Arfsten (William Richmond) 49th minute: On a cross from William Richmond, Arfesten’s right-footed shot squeezed past a diving Beavers and trickled over the line.
NOTES:
-Defender Aziz Kayondo returned to the squad after representing the Ugandan national team in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
-Forward Axel Kei made his first professional start after debuting and scoring in the team’s previous game against Colorado Rapids 2.
-RSL Homegrown Jaziel Orozco returned to the starting XI and wore the captain’s armband after featuring as an alternate in the U-20 United States Youth National Team camp
Match: Real Monarchs vs Earthquakes II
Date: June 17, 2022
Venue: Zions Bank Stadium
Weather: 91 and Sunny
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Real Monarchs 0 0 0
Earthquakes II 0 1 1
SJII: Maximilian Arfsten 49’
Lineups:
Real Monarchs (4-3-3): Gavin Beavers, Bode Hidalgo, Golden Mafwenta (Abokye Bikyeombe 71’), Bobby Pierre (Jude Wellings, 84’), Pierre Reedy (Aziz Kayondo 43’), Jaziel Orozco, Christian Nydegger, Leo Torres (Tyrone Mondi 60’), Terron Williams (Benjamin Rodriguez 71’), Axel Kei, Chris Garcia (Jack Imperato, 71’)
Subs not used: Will Mackay, Julio Benitez, Izzy Amparo
San Jose Earthquakes II (4-1-4-1): Matt Bersano, Casey Walls, Tristan Viviani, Israel Carrillo, Omar Lemus, Ethan Kohler (Joaquin Eisenberg 46’), William Richmond (Diego Otoya 67’), Jerry Ayvon, Eduardo Blancas (Cruz Medina 46’), Maximilian Arfsten (Erick Reyes 67’), Rodolfo Castro (Diogo Baptista 67’)
Subs not used: Emmanuel Ochoa, Eric de la Cerda, Drew Murray
Stats Summary: SJ / RM
Shots: 8 / 11
Shots on Goal: 3 / 3
Saves: 2 / 2
Corner Kicks: 5 / 2
Fouls: 14 / 18
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
RM: Christian Nydegger (caution) 5’
RM: Pierre Reedy (caution) 16’
RM: Bode Hidalgo (caution) 24’
RM: Golden Mafwenta (caution) 48’
SJ: Cruz Medina (caution) 53’
RM: Bobby Pierre (caution) 76’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Chris Ruska
Assistant Referees: Peter Hanson, Joshua Mills
4th Official: Jordan Downs
