REAL MONARCHS SLC TOPPLES PHOENIX RISING FC 1-0
MF Sebastian Velasquez Scores in Second Consecutive Match;
Monarchs Remain Undefeated to Begin 2018;
Monarchs move to 5-5-1 All-Time in Against Phoenix Since 2015
PHOENIX, Arizona (Saturday, April 7, 2018) – Real Monarchs SLC (3-0-0, 9 points, West 4) blanked hosts Phoenix Rising FC 1-0 courtesy of a MF Sebastian Velasquez strike in the 57th minute in front of 6,531 at Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex. The win sees the Monarchs remain undefeated to open 2018 as well as earn its first shutout of the year.
The first half of the match opened physically with both sides immediately applying pressure to one another in an attempt to put a stamp on the game. The half’s best opportunity fell to Rising FC midfielder Gladson Awako who’s effort from just outside the penalty area in the 33rd minute rattled off the bar. GK Connor Sparrow made three big saves in the first half to bring the teams level into the halftime break.
The Monarchs found the breakthrough in the 57th minute when MF Maikel Chang’s cross found Velasquez who beat his man at the top of six-yard box to take a touch then slam home the opening goal of the match.
The remainder of the match remained physical, with eight total yellow cards were handed out by the referee in the match. The Monarchs were able to fend off Rising FC’s late-match push for an equalizer to secure the shutout and the full three points.
UP NEXT: The Monarchs will remain on the road for the second match of its three-game road trip as it visits Seattle Sounders 2 on Wednesday April 11. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. MT from Cheney Field in Tacoma, Washington.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
SLC:Sebastian Velasquez (Maikel Chang) 57th minute – Monarchs midfielder Maikel Chang did well to sneak a low cross through to Velasquez at the top of the six-yard box. Velasquez did well to beat his man to generate space at the top of the box to slam home the game’s opening goal.
KEY SAVES AND DEFENSIVE STOPS:
SLC: Connor Sparrow, 33rd minute: After slamming a shot off the crossbar, Gladson Awako forced Sparrow into an acrobatic save from a clipped effort. Sparrow did well to get his hand to the ball while diving backwards to tip the ball over the bar.
NOTES:
- MF Josh Heard made his first start in a Real Monarchs uniform as RSL man Aaron Herrera made his professional debut against Phoenix with his start.
- GK Connor Sparrow made his first start of the year for the Monarchs, earning his first shutout of the year in the 1-0 victory.
- MF Sebastian Velasquez scored in his second straight match with his goal in the 57th minute.
Match: Real Monarchs SLC at Phoenix Rising FC
Date: April 7, 2018
Venue: Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex
Attendance: 6,531
Weather: Sunny and 92 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Real Monarchs SLC 0 1 1
Rising FC 0 0 0
SLC – Sebastian Velasquez (Maikel Chang) 57’
Lineups:
Real Monarchs SLC (4-3-3): Connor Sparrow; Aaron Herrera (Andrew Brody, 62’), Nick Besler, Michael Gallagher, Danilo Acosta (Kalen Ryden, 11’); Justin Portillo, Charlie Adams, Sebastian Velasquez (Jose Hernandez, 88’); Maikel Chang, Chandler Hoffman, Josh Heard
Subs not used: Andrew Putna, James Moberg, Masta Kacher, Ricky Lopez-Espin
Phoenix Rising FC: (4-5-1): Carl Wozscnski; Kody Wakasa, Doueugui Mala, Mike da Fonte, Amadou Dia; Kevon Lambert, Solomon Asante, Gladson Awako (Billy Forbes, 68’), Collin Fernandez, Jason Johnson (Didier Drogba, 75’); Chris Cortez
Subs not used: Zac Lubin, Joseph Farrell, Luca Ricci, Evan Waldrep, Victor Vasquez
Stats Summary: PHX/SLC
Shots: 16 / 6
Shots on Goal: 5 / 3
Saves: 2 / 5
Corner Kicks: 7 / 4
Fouls: 14 / 18
Offside: 7 / 3
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
PHX – Kevon Lambert (caution) 28’
PHX – Collin Fernandez (caution) 50’
SLC – Josh Heard (caution) 58’
SLC – Andrew Brody (caution) 65’
SLC – Kalen Ryden (caution) 71’
SLC – Justin Portillo (caution) 78’
PHX – Didier Drogba (caution) 90’+3
SLC – Maikel Chang (caution) 90’+5
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Ramy Touchan
Assistant Referees: Alicia Messer, Toddwoodhull
4th Official: Brandon Marshall
