HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday, July 29, 2022) – Real Monarchs (2-12-2, 8 points, 10th in West) will travel West to face Earthquakes II on Sunday, July 31 with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. MT. The Monarchs will look to build on its recent success in the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational where the team defeated Chelsea FC’s U-21 side 5-4 in penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw, while also overcoming Wolverhampton Wanderer FC’s U-21 squad 2-0.
Sunday’s match, as well as all Real Monarchs matches this season, will be streamed live via www.MLSnextPro.com.
Real Monarchs vs Earthquakes II
PayPal Park, San Jose, California
Sunday, July 31 at 7:00 p.m. MT
Game Notes for Sunday’s RM vs SJ 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 Sporting Kansas City II 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 (2-12-2, 8 points); Earthquakes II (8-6-3, 28 points)
Head-to-Head: In the two side’s first matchup in MLS NEXT Pro, Earthquakes II defeated Real Monarchs 1-0 in a hard-fought 90-minute battle. The Monarchs will travel to San Jose hoping to return the favor.
MLS NEXT Pro Invitational
Last week, Real Monarchs hosted the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Invitational, facing English Premier League 2 sides Chelsea FC U-21 and Wolves U-21. The Monarchs earned five out of a possible six points behind a strong showing from RSL Homegrown goalkeeper Gavin Beavers in both matches. The goalkeeper made a critical save and scored his kick from the spot in the 5-4 shootout win over Chelsea, before earning his third shutout in five games enduring the 2-0 victory over Wolves.
Real Monarchs also saw goals from defender Golden Mafwenta and midfielders Pedro Fonseca and Tyrone Mondi during the invitational. Mafwenta’s goal was his first since signing with Real Monarchs on April 27. Additionally, defender Aziz Kayondo recorded his first assist with the Monarchs since joining the Club at the end of April.
STARS AND STRIPES
In addition to his phenomenal play in the invitational, Beavers recently earned another call-up with the U.S. Men's National Team’s U-19 squad, his third invitation of the year. The Homegrown will miss the matchup with Earthquakes II while he is attending the U-19 camp from July 25 through August 2 in Carson, California.
HOME COOKING
Outside of the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational, Real Monarchs have won their last two games at Zions Bank Stadium, defeating Timbers 2 4-0 and Sporting Kansas City II 1-0. In addition to the two clean sheets from Beavers, the Monarchs were led in the attack with goals by Tyrone Mondi, Benjamin Rodriguez, and RSL Homegrowns Axel Kei and Chris Garcia. The goals from Rodriguez and Garcia were their first of the season while also marking Rodriguez’s first professional goal.
Mondi has been on a tear in recent weeks, scoring a brace against Timbers 2 and netting two more goals during the MLS NEXT Pro invitational. The midfielder’s goals during the tournament proved to be critical as his first was a 32nd-minute equalizer against Chelsea U-21s to bring Real Monarchs back into the match while his second was the nail in the coffin in the Monarchs’ 2-0 win over Wolves U-21. Mondi currently leads the Club in shots on target with nine and is second in goals with 4, only one behind his fellow midfielder Pedro Fonseca.
