SANDY, Utah (Monday, August 8, 2016) – Real Monarchs SLC (6-12-4, 22 pts, West #12) return home tonight against Colorado Springs Switchbacks at 7:00 p.m. MT, with fans able to watch via RSL.com or ESPN3. WATCH a preview of tonight’s game HERE: http://www.rsl.com/post/2016/08/05/rm-rundown-colorado-match-preview?autoplay=true.
Beginning with tonight’s action, Head Coach Freddy Juarez’ team kicks off a run of six home contests out of eight through mid-September. Three points will be critical in nearly every Utah-based contest as the Monarchs seek its first postseason berth, as the club will then close out its second campaign with road games at Arizona and at LA Galaxy II.
Prior to dropping an 0-3 decision at Utah Valley University’s Clyde Field on July 22, the Monarchs provided a glimpse of determination and excellence back on July 5 at Sacramento, as FW Ricardo Velazco scored two goals – including the stoppage time game-winner– 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 the July 19th 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 6-10-4, continuing to hold onto Western Conference playoff hopes with 10 games remaining on the season, including the aforementioned six at Rio Tinto Stadium.
GK Lalo Fernandez, on loan from Real Salt Lake, has played 18 matches with the Monarchs this season, posting a 1.27 goals against average to go with four shutouts and a 5-10-3 record. He is currently third in saves in the USL with a total of 61, earning USL Player of the Week in early July 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. Colorado Springs Switchbacks
- Coverage Begins: 7:00 p.m. MT
- Web Stream: www.RSL.com/Monarchs //www.USLsoccer.com
- English TV: ESPN3
- English Radio: n/a
- Spanish Radio: n/a
- Online: The @RealMonarchs Twitter feed provides updates
