Real Monarchs 3 vs. 2 Portland Timbers 2
June 26, 2023; Providence Park; Portland, Oregon_Real Monarchs (5-9-1, 17 points); Portland Timbers 2 (6-9-0, 18 points)_
Man of the Match:Forward Bertin Jaccquesson’s brace helped propel Real Monarchs to a draw against Portland Timbers 2 after the Monarchs conceded two early goals. Jaccquesson was a constant threat in the final third garnering attention from Timber 2’s rearguard, opening the field for his teammates. The 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick and Generation Adidas player notched his first professional goal in the first half slotting when he slotted in a penalty. Jaccquesson would go on to net the equalizer late in the second half to hand Real Monarchs enough momentum to propel the team to a 3-2 victory.
Telling Stats: Real Monarchs claimed their second comeback victory in MLS NEXT Pro competition, their first coming earlier this year in a 5-1 thrashing of Portland Timbers 2 on April 30. The Monarchs have never lost a game to Timbers 2 in MLS NEXT Pro play obtaining a 3W-0L-1D record while outscoring Portland all-time by six goals (11-5). Tonight's comeback win marks the fourth road victory by Real Monarchs in the 2023 campaign and the first win by the team since the conclusion of May .
What You Missed: Before the Monarchs could settle into any rhythm Timbers 2 found an opportunity early. Diego Gutiérrez, unmarked on the wing, rolled a cross into the box that deflected off Bobby Pierre for a Monarchs own goal in the fifth minute. Real Monarch’s rearguard continued to deteriorate in the opening minutes of the match, awarding a penalty kick in the 12th minute after Amferny Sinclair committed a foul in the box. Gutiérrez stepped up to the spot and slotted a ball past RSL Academy goalkeeper Blake Kelly. Real Monarchs were able to pull one back in the 23rd minute after Timbers 2 committed a foul in the box awarding a penalty which 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick **Bertin Jacquesson** notched between the posts. After going down by two early, the Monarchs rallied to end the first half trailing Portland 2-1. At commencement of the second half Real Monarchs appeared to have resolved to leave the City of Roses with three points. Late into the second half in the 75th minute the Monarchs erased the deficit when Bertin Jacquesson slotted his second goal past the ‘keeper off a Daron Iskenderian through ball. Real Monarchs would find another goal five minutes later when Terron Williams fended off multiple defenders with excellent ball control and nutmegged the goalkeeper for the game winner claiming victory 3-2.
What’s Next?: Real Monarchs return home to Zions Bank Stadium this coming Sunday, June 30 at 8:00 p.m. MT to host Austin FC II for the Monarch’s annual Pride Night. Tickets for the Monarchs home match against Austin and all Real Monarchs home matches can be found **here**.
