Real Monarchs SLC 2 vs Phoenix Rising FC 1
October 12, 2019; Scottsdale, Arizona; Casino Arizona Field
Real Monarchs SLC (15-10-7, 52 points); Phoenix Rising FC (23-4-6, 75 points)
Man of the Match: Defender Erik Holt was a thorn in the side of the Phoenix Rising FC attack for the entire 90 minutes. The 23-year-old center back got in the way of more than one chance from Rising FC forwards Soloman Asante and Joey Calistri, winning half of his duels and gaining the possession a team-leading 12 times for the Monarchs. Holt’s performance on the back line helped to limit Phoenix’s attack and secure the win away from home.
Telling Stat: 25%. The Monarchs backline packed in to limit the Phoenix Rising to only 25% shots on target. The aggressive Rising FC offense took 24 shots towards goal, landing only six on frame. Paired with five massive saves from GK Andrew Putna, Real Monarchs did well to put a stop to a league-leading offense and concede just one goal on the night.
What You Missed: In a dramatic finish for its final game away from home in the regular season, Real Monarchs SLC earned a 2-1 win after FW Kyle Coffee netted the stoppage-time winner with his fifth goal of the season. MF Maikel Chang found the back the net first in the second half after converting a penalty for his 13th of the season for his second goal in as many games. Both sides went down a man near the end of the contest as DF Konrad Plewa and Corey Whelan each saw red in the 89th minute.
So What: The pivotal road victory help the Monarchs stake its claim on fourth of the West while claiming the supporter-founded Four-Corners Cup in its inaugural season. The Monarchs still have two games left in the 2019 Regular Season as it looks to earn the right to host the quarterfinal contest in the USL Championship Playoffs. Real Monarchs will finish out its season at home at Zions Bank Stadium as it hosts Austin Bold FC and Sacramento Republic FC. The first contest comes on Wednesday, October 16 against Bold FC in the expansion side’s first visit to Utah. Tickets to Wednesday night’s match-up are available at RealMonarchs.com/tickets or by calling 844.REAL.TIX. The match is also available to watch live on ESPN+ with commentary provided by Landon Southwick and David Horst.
