Real Monarchs SLC got out to a strong start in the club’s second preseason match in Costa Rica and never looked back, outracing Carmelita 3-0 on Monday in San Jose, Costa Rica.
With a lineup that included RSL goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez, who has been doing preseason work with the Monarchs while in Costa Rica, and Honduras U-23 National Teamer Elder Torres, who arrived in the last few days, the Monarchs created a scoring chance within the first 30 seconds of the match, then pounced early to earn a second-minute penalty. Ricardo Velazco converted to put Real up 1-0.
Over the next 30 minutes Carmelita responded well and put pressure on the Monarchs defense, but the USL club was able to break up the attacks and added to the lead before halftime with a goal from Andrew Brody, converting after a solid build-up from the team to make it 2-0.
Fernandez made some crucial saves and kept the two-goal lead going into the half and the Monarchs came out with more fire after the intermission. Dominating possession throughout the final 45 minutes, the Monarchs put the match out of reach with a goal from center back trialist Jean Carlos, knocking in a free kick from Jonny Caparelli to make it 3-0.
The Monarchs will finish off the preseason trip with a match against Saprissa on Thursday before returning to Salt Lake City.
