HERRIMAN, Utah (Tuesday, March 18, 2025) – Real Salt Lake Midfielder Aiden Hezarkhani has been named MLS Next Pro Player of the Matchday after Hezarkhani’s involvement in all three goals during the Monarchs 3-2 win over Timbers 2.
Trailing by a goal in the 32nd minute, Hezarkhani received the ball wide on the right, then cut into the top of the 18-yard box and fired a left-footed laser into the top far corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Three minutes later, in a similar position, Hezarkhani once again received the ball wide, took a touch inside, and played a cross into the goal area, where teammate Owen Anderson slotted it home, giving the Monarchs a 2-1 lead going into the break.
Hezarkhani wasn’t done yet. In the 78th minute, he scored another goal. Omar Marquez picked up the ball in a central area of the attacking third and played a perfectly timed pass to Hezarkhani, who was positioned at the top of the 18-yard box. Hezarkhani took a first-time shot, whipping the ball into the upper corner of the far post, giving the away side a comfortable 3-1 lead with 12 minutes remaining in the match.
Now with the U.S. Youth National U-18 Team Hezarkhani looks to continue a good run of form on the international level. Participating in a 8 day camp in Marbella, Spain the RSL Academy product has the opportunity to don his nation's colors. Team USA will participate in two friendlies over the international window the first against Morocco on Mar. 22 and the latter against Norway on Mar. 25.
The Monarchs return to Zions Bank Stadium tomorrow, March 19, to open the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at home against El Farolito Soccer Club at 7:30 PM. After Wednesday night’s match, Real Monarchs will take on Colorado Rapids 2 at home on Sunday, March 23, to resume MLS Next Pro play. Kickoff for that match is set for 6:00 PM MT, and tickets for both matches are available at Zions Bank Stadium for $5 at the door.
