SANDY, Utah (Thursday, July 21, 2016) – Real Monarchs SLC (6-9-4, 22 pts, West #10) return to action Friday night at Clyde Field on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, hosting Arizona United SC. Kickoff for the final of the club’s four “On Tour” home games this season is set for 7:00 p.m. MT, with fans able to watch via RSL.com or USLsoccer.com.
In the Monarchs’ last league contest back on July 5, FW Ricardo Velazco scored two goals – including the stoppage time game-winner at Sacramento – for a comeback 3-2 win over the Republic, who had not lost at home in nine consecutive games. The Velazco heroics – he also assisted on a screaming equalizer from Jamaican FW Kevaughn Frater – give the second-year pro eight goals and four assists on the season.
Both Velazco and Frater featured in Tuesday’s 1-2 loss at Rio Tinto Stadium for Real Salt Lake against Italian power Inter Milan. Velazco impressed in his 45 minutes against the legendary European side, while Frater came off the bench and displayed speed and danger in the final 13 minutes. Monarchs DF Chris Schuler also displayed his trademark awareness and mettle in the final half-hour, his first appearance for RSL since July 14, 2015 in an Open Cup win against LA.
Head Coach Freddy Juarez’ team started its second USL campaign strong out of the gates with a 2-0-1 record through the first three matches. Even with an 11-game road trip and a stoppage-time loss in the club’s Rio Tinto Stadium return in late June, the Monarchs’ record has now moved to 6-9-4, continuing to hold onto Western Conference playoff hopes with 11 games remaining on the season, including seven on Utah soil.
GK Lalo Fernandez, on loan from Real Salt Lake, has played 17 matches with the Monarchs this season, posting a 1.19 goals against average to go with four shutouts and a 5-9-3 record. He is currently tied for first in saves in the USL with a total of 61 saves and earned USL Player of the Week earlier this month after his eight-save shutout in a 1-0 win over Colorado Springs. That marked the second time this season the Monarchs have earned a USL Player of the Week honor after Ricardo Velazco did the same earlier this season.
The general public sale for 2016 Monarchs season tickets is ongoing. In addition, Real Salt Lake season ticket members can join the Crown Club (www.RSL.com/tickets/Crown-Club) by adding Real Monarchs season tickets for as low as $48, including exclusive Crown Club benefits. The Rio Tinto Stadium box office is open Tues.-Fri., 10a-6p; more information can be found online at www.RSL.com/Monarchs/Schedule or via the Fan Relations Hotline at 801-727-2702.
How to Follow Real Monarchs v. Arizona United SC @ Clyde Field
- Coverage Begins: 7:00 p.m. MT
- Web Stream: www.RSL.com/Monarchs //www.USLsoccer.com
- English TV: n/a
- English Radio: n/a
- Spanish Radio: n/a
- Online: The @RealMonarchs Twitter feed provides updates
