SANDY, Utah (Saturday, July 2, 2016) – Real Monarchs SLC (5-8-4, 19 pts) will square off with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 as they return to Rio Tinto Stadium for the first time since April 26. The Monarchs play on Saturday at 7 p.m. MT. On Wednesday, Real Monarchs finished out their 11-game stretch away from home while Rio Tinto was getting a new pitch, falling 1-0 to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. That stretch included two matches against Vancouver that saw the Monarchs go 1-0-1, including a win that snapped Vancouver’s unbeaten run to start the 2016 season. Fans can watch the rematch between the two clubs live online at RSL.com or at USLsoccer.com.
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 the 1-0 loss on Wednesday, the club’s record has moved to 5-8-4, continuing to hold onto 9th place in the Western Conference.
GK Lalo Fernandez, on loan from Real Salt Lake, has played 15 matches with the Monarchs this season, posting a 1.13 goals against average to go with four shutouts and a 4-8-3 record. He is currently tied for first in saves in the USL with a total of 49 saves and earned USL Player of the Week after his eight-save shutout in a 1-0 win over Colorado Springs on Sunday. 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. Fernandez also has history with Vancouver, when he made five stops to stake Vancouver Whitecaps FC to its first loss of the season in a 1-0 Monarchs victory on June 4.
To welcome the team back to Rio Tinto Stadium the first 1,500 fans will receive a free pair of Real Monarchs sunglasses. Come early to claim your pair of sunglasses, and cheer on the Monarchs against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.
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 Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
- 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
