Real Monarchs SLC 1 at Fresno FC 1
August 16, 2019; Fresno, California; Chukchansi Park
Real Monarchs SLC (10-7-5, 35 points); Fresno FC (12-3-8, 44 points)
Man of the Match: Goalkeeper David Ochoa was a force to be reckoned with for the Fresno FC attacking side, putting a stop to six of the seven shots on target to limit the Foxes to just one goal on the night. Ochoa came up big more than once, including a diving save to snatch the ball out of the air from a long-distance shot and again to reach to the low far-post to keep the Monarchs net safe. The 18-year-old’s work ethic between the pipes helped earn Real Monarchs a point on the road and earned him Man of the Match honors.
Telling Stat: 14. The Real Monarchs backline worked hard to shut down the aggressive Fresno FC attack, making 14 clearances on Friday night. Paired with the combined 16 tackles and 12 interceptions, the Foxes were limited to just seven shots on target while the Monarchs defense blocked three and helped force six more off-target.
What You Missed: In a hard-fought road contest, Real Monarchs SLC split the points with Fresno FC behind a goal from the returning Honduran International, FW Douglas Martinez. RSL MF Kelyn Rowe also made his debut for the club, making an appearance in the Starting XI and playing for the full 90 minutes in the draw.
So What: Real Monarchs SLC prevented Fresno FC from extending its lead in the standings with the 1-1 draw, keeping the California side just nine points ahead. Paired with results elsewhere in the Western Conference, the Monarchs now sit 5th in the West, with 35 points. The Utah side now turns its attention towards Orange County SC as it looks for another opportunity to cement its hold in the tight 2019 playoff race. The contest is scheduled for Saturday, August 24, where kickoff from Championship Soccer Stadium is set for 8:00 p.m. MT.
