Real Monarchs played their second match of the Wasatch Winter Cup on Wednesday, ending in a scoreless draw with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
The first half swung each way as the two sides fought for possession and chances. In the flow of the game, however, neither side was able to get the edge over the other to get a clear chance at goal. The frustration began to build as the Four-Corners rivals began to get aggressive, resulting in hard tackles and yellow cards. In the final moments of the first half, the game began to open up, seeing Colorado take hard crack towards goal that goalkeeper Jimmy Slayton was able to step in front of to end the physical first half without a goal.
The physicality carried over into the second half, providing both sides with opportunities as midfielder Devin Vega took a freekick that deflected off the wall towards goal but was denied by the Switchbacks goalkeeper. Switchbacks FC earned a penalty kick the other direction that bounced off the post before being shot again off the crossbar at the hour mark. The two chances told the story of the game, as neither side was able to find the goal, leading to another scoreless draw for the Monarchs in the Wasatch Winter Cup.
UP NEXT: Real Monarchs will wrap up the Wasatch Winter Cup with a 2019 USL Championship Final rematch against Louisville City FC on Saturday, February 22 with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 am MT. Admission is free and fans are encouraged to attend. The match will also be available to watch live on RSL YouTube.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN
None.
KEY SAVES AND DEFENSIVE STOPS
SLC: Jimmy Slayton, 45th minute: Towards the end of the first half, Switchbacks FC attack began to come alive. Colorado let out a strike with rapid shot that look destined for goal, but Slayton came up big to make the leaping save and keep the score level.
COS: Abraham Rodriguez, 54th minute: A Monarchs freekick bounced the ball of the defender in the wall, redirecting the ball towards the far edge of goal. Rodriguez made a diving stretch to keep the ball out of the net and keeping the score level.
SLC: Jimmy Slayton, 69th minute: The Colorado attack moved in to dangerous areas it the ball approached the 6-yard-line from the Monarchs goal. With an expert read on the ball, Slayton extended his foot out after the shot to block out the ball and protect the Monarchs goal.
NOTES:
- Real Monarchs played their second round in the Wasatch Winter Cup, earning one point on the table after a second consecutive scoreless draw.
- The Monarchs continued the trend of rotating out players through the second half to provide the roster with valuable minutes ahead of the 2020 season.
Match: Real Monarchs SLC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
Date: February 19, 2020
Venue: Zions Bank Training Center
Scoring Summary 1 2 F
Real Monarchs SLC 0 0 0
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 0 0 0
Lineups:
Real Monarchs Starting XI: Jimmy Slayton, Tommy Silva, Zach Farnsworth, Michael Wetungu, Jordan Pena, Christopher Bermudez, Arturo Rodriguez, Richard Ruiz, Steve Jasso, Devin Vega, Damian German
RSL Academy
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC Starting XI: Abraham Rodriguez, Sebastian Anderson, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Ever Rubio, Joan Cervos, Uvaldo Luna, Hiroki Kurimoto, Rony Argueta, Luke Ferreira, Daniels, Aidan Jackson.
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
SLC – Tommy Silva (Caution) 26’
SLC – Jordan Pena (Caution) 51’
COS - Ever Rubio (Caution) 64’
