HERRIMAN, Utah (Saturday, September 17, 2022) – Real Monarchs (5-14-4, 20 points, 10th in West) finish its inaugural season in MLS NEXT Pro hosting Rocky Mountain Rival Colorado Rapids 2 (7-10-6, 31 points, 8th in West). The Monarchs are looking to end the season on an eight-match unbeaten streak at home across all competitions.
Sunday’s match, as well as all Real Monarchs matches this season, will be streamed live via www.MLSNEXTPro.com.
Real Monarchs vs Colorado Rapids 2Zions Bank Stadium; Herriman, Utah
Sunday, September 18 at 5:00 p.m. MT
Game Notes for Sunday’s RM vs COL 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 Colorado Rapids 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 (5-14-4, 20 points); Colorado Rapids 2 (7-10-6, 31 points)
Head-to-Head: The two sides faced off in Colorado in June where an MLS-heavy Colorado Rapids 2 defeated Real Monarchs 3-1. The Monarchs withstood barrages of attacks throughout the match, but couldn’t overcome the first-team talent of Colorado. RSL Homegrowns Bode Davis and Axel Kei linked up for the loan Monarchs goal for Hidalgo’s first assist and Kei’s first goal of the season.
FIRST SHOOTOUT WIN
Real Monarchs’ 1-1 draw with San Jose Earthquakes II not only killed San Jose’s playoff hopes, but it also marked their first win from the spot in regular season play. Two big saves from RSL Homegrown Gavin Beavers sealed the deal as the Monarchs grabbed the extra point, winning the shootout 4-3. The Utah side had gone to the spot in three other matches this season but finally came out triumphant in Friday’s result.
LAST DANCE
In a season of ups and downs for the Monarchs, Sunday’s match will mark the end of their first season in MLS NEXT Pro. During the year, Real Monarchs won six matches, the most in one season since Head Coach Jamison Olave took command of the squad while scoring more goals than in the 2020 and 2021 seasons combined. The Monarchs will hope to win one last match before the 2022 season comes to a close, finishing on a strong upward trend after a tough start.
STRONG FINISH
After starting the season 0-11-2, Real Monarchs have gone on a tear to finish the season. Since July, the Monarchs are 5-3-2, scoring 17 goals during the span, more than double the goals scored in the first half of the season, and earning three shutouts in MLS NEXT Pro play. Including the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational, the Monarchs have gone 6-3-3 since the midway point of the season and have scored 21 goals led by Tyrone Mondi who’s scored seven of his nine goals during the run.
HOME FORTRESS
Real Monarchs have been brewing up something special at home, winning seven consecutive matches in Utah. During this span, the Club has faced top-end talent such as Tacoma Defiance and teams who, until recently, were contending for playoff spots like Sporting Kansas City II and Whitecaps FC 2. In its most recent match, Real Monarchs defeated Timbers 2 4-2 at home with the second-youngest fielded roster all season of 18.64 years old. 16-year-old RSL Academy products Abokye Bikyeombe and Fernando Delgado led the way with Bikyeombe earning his first professional goal and assist while Delgado made multiple key saves to secure the three points. Additionally, Bode Hidalgo, Tyrone Mondi and Golden Mafwenta all found the back of the net, with Hidalgo and Mafwenta each securing assists on the night.
PLAY THE KIDS
Real Monarchs’ youth was on full display in Saturday’s 4-2 win over Portland Timbers 2, fielding its second-youngest roster of the season with an average age of 18.64. The Monarchs were led by 16-year-old Real Salt Lake Academy product Abokye Bikyeombe who earned his first professional goal and assist in the victory, along with recent signing 16-year-old Fernando Delgado making key saves in between the posts. Nineteen-year-old RSL Homegrown Bode Hidalgo was clinical in the attack as well, netting a rocket to open the scoring for the Club and securing an assist later in the match. Additionally, 14-year-olds Axel Kei and Luis Rivera also saw minutes.
