HERRIMAN, Utah (Tuesday, July 18, 2023) - Real Monarchs (6-10-2, 21 points, 12th West) act as hosts once again for the annual MLS NEXT Pro Invitational and will face developing talent from England and Germany at both Zions Bank Stadium and America First Field through July 24. During the 2022 inaugural iteration of the tournament held in Utah last year, Real Monarchs faced Premier League 2 sides Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 and Chelsea FC U21, whom they both defeated. The Monarchs will begin their tournament this year against Premier League 2 side Crystal Palace U21 on Wednesday, July 19 at America First Field with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. MT
In their last MLS NEXT Pro match Real Monarchs received a 4-1 thrashing, dropping points against rival Colorado Rapids 2. Despite valiant efforts from RSL Academy players Jude Wellings and Owen Anderson the Monarchs were unable to stop the attacking onslaught by Colorado who scored two goals in each half. Second-half substitute Anderson notched a late goal for the Monarchs in the fourth minute of stoppage time to prevent a ninth shutout this season. After conceding four against Rapids 2 the Monarchs goal differential drops to -17 in MLS NEXT Pro regular season competition, the second worst mark in the league. Dropping another result at home to Colorado, Real Monarchs move to 1W-6L-2D while playing in the Beehive State while having their three game unbeaten streak snapped.
In the 2022-2023 Premier League 2 season Crystal Palace finished fourth in Division One sitting only behind Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea’s U21 teams. While facing opponents on the road, Crystal Palace U21 claimed a 7W-5L-1D record, the second best Premier League 2 record behind Manchester City U21. During the 2022-2023 season Palace U21 was able to snatch points away from some of the best academy U21 sides in Europe including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
Jámison Olave’s side will attempt to recapture their form and repeat the success they found in 2022 when they went undefeated during the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational by beating Crystal Palace U21 at the home of Real Salt Lake. Crystal Palace looks to start their preseason in good form to set a solid tone for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.
What’s Next: Real Monarchs will continue Invitational tournament play facingTSG Hoffenheim U23 on Pioneer Day, July 24 with kick set for 8:00 p.m. MT at Zions Bank Stadium.
