REAL MONARCHS SLC CLAIM 2-0 VICTORY OVER
RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC
RSL Academy Product Richard Ledezma Nets First-Half Winner While Glademir Mendoza Makes Professional Debut;
DF Rhys Williams Makes Real Monarchs Debut in Shutout Performance;
Monarchs Move to 6-0-1 at Zions Bank Stadium, Extend Seven-Point Lead atop United Soccer League Standings
HERRIMAN, Utah (Monday, June 4, 2018) – Real Monarchs SLC (10-2-1, 31 points 1 West) toppled Rio Grande Valley FC 2-0 on Monday evening courtesy of goals from MFs Richard Ledezma and Masta Kacher. With the win, the Monarchs now move seven points clear at the top of the United Soccer League table through 13 matches in 2018.
The match began with the Monarchs on the front foot, immediately looking for the go-ahead goal. After MF Sebastian Velasquez left the match in the 17th minute due to injury, Ledezma entered the match and from then the match changed. Ledezma scored eight minutes after entering for his first professional goal in his fifth professional appearance.
In the second half the Monarchs again held possession in an attempt to find the second goal and nearly found it on multiple occasions through MF Maikel Chang. The Monarchs found the second when Kacher slammed home his third of the season in the 70th minute. Making his professional debut in the second half was Real Salt Lake Academy MF Glademir Mendoza who became the third current Academy product to make his professional debut for the Monarchs in 2018.
GK Jake Leeker held firm in goal for the Monarchs to earn his fourth shutout in five professional appearances during his rookie season. Additionally, DF Rhys Williams made his debut for the Monarchs to help claim the shutout victory over RGVFC.
UP NEXT: The Monarchs return to the road after an eight-day hiatus when it travels to Swope Park Rangers on Wednesday, June 13th. Kick off from Children’s Mercy Park is set for 6:30 p.m. MT.
SCORING SUMMARY:
SLC: Richard Ledezma (Chandler Hoffman), 25th minute: A well-timed run from Hoffman put him near the end line running in towards goal. Hoffman did well to pick his head up and find an on-rushing Ledezma who’s first time finish sent the RGVFC goalkeeper the wrong way for his first professional goal.
SLC: Masta Kacher, 70th minute: Kacher found himself with the ball inside the box with the goalkeeper rushing to close the angle of an attempt. Kacher eluded the RGVFC goalkeeper to slam home the ball into an empty net for his third of the year.
NOTES:
- RSL Academy midfielder Richard Ledezma scored the winning goal in the 25th minute of the match for his first professional goal. Academy product Galdemir Mendoza also became the third current player in the Academy to make his professional debut with the Monarchs this year.
- DF Rhys Williams made his debut for the Monarchs after signing in the offseason.
- GK Jake Leeker earned his fourth shutout in his fifth appearance for the Monarchs during his rookie season.
Match: Real Monarchs SLC vs Rio Grande Valley FC
Date: June 4, 2018
Venue: Zions Bank Stadium; Herriman, Utah
Attendance: 1,654
Weather: Partly cloudy and 92 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Real Monarchs SLC 1 1 2
RGVFC 0 0 0
SLC: Richard Ledezma (Chandler Hoffman) 25’
SLC: Masta Kacher 70’
Lineups:
Real Monarchs SLC (4-4-2): Jacob Leeker; Rhys Williams, Michael Gallagher, James Moberg, Kalen Ryden; Justin Portillo, Charlie Adams, Sebastian Velasquez (Richard Ledezma, 17’), Maikel Chang, Masta Kacher (Glademir Mendoza, 85’); Chandler Hoffman
Subs not used: David Ochoa, Konrad Plewa, Sammy Tojaga, Juan Mare
Rio Grande Valley FC (4-3-3): Nicolas Corti; Bryce Marion (Andres Cabrera, 80’), Sheldon Sullivan, Kyle Adams, Robert Castellanos; Nicolas Perea, Jorginho James, Pablo Aguilar (Guillermo Delgado, 74’), Jesus Enriquez; Zach Wright (Monday Etim, 45’), Jordan Jones
Subs not used: Matthew Sanchez, Kai Greene, David Cabrera
Stats Summary: SLC/RGV
Shots: 18 / 9
Shots on Goal: 9 / 1
Saves: 7 / 1
Corner Kicks: 4 / 5
Fouls: 14 / 11
Offside: 0 / 3
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
RGV – Jesus Enriquez (Caution) 32’
SLC – James Moberg (Caution) 40’
SLC – Masta Kacher (Caution) 48’
RGV – Jorginho James (Caution) 49’
RGV – Sheldon Sullivan (Caution) 79’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Luis Guardia
Assistant Referees: Kali Smith, Blake Griffiths
4th Official: Jordan Downs
