SAN JOSE, California (Sun., September 13, 2026) — Real Monarchs (7-15-4, 29 pts, 11th West) suffer 4-0 shutout at San Jose Earthquakes II (10-11-6, 39 pts, 10th West), the loss officially eliminates Real Monarchs from 2026 MLS NEXT Pro postseason contention.
Amidst significant roster rotation, Head Coach Mark Lowry made four changes to the starting XI following last week’s 4-1 loss at North Texas FC. Max Kerkvliet was back in-between the sticks on Sunday, whilst Luis Rivera, Gio Villa, and Liam O’Gara all returned to the lineup at San Jose.
The home side got off to a good start in the first half, forcing Real Monarchs captain Kerkvliet to make a number of early saves. After applying consistent pressure, San Jose got its breakthrough goal in the 17th minute, capitalizing on a failed clearance attempt from the visitors with a goal from Tomo Allen. Earthquakes II continued to create chances, and in the 40th minute, it doubled its lead after winning the ball high into the Monarchs’ half. Gaining possession near the corner flag, all it took was two passes to set-up Zachary Bohane, who scored with a first-time effort to make it 2-0. The first 45 minutes was a dominant display from the home side, who entered the break without allowing a single shot from the Monarchs.
San Jose’s efficient performance continued into the second half, when it took Earthquakes II only 20 seconds to score its third. The quick goal was scored by a wide open Bohane, who headed home his second after connecting with an accurate lofted cross from Warren Boyce from the right touchline. Nick Fernandez scored San Jose’s fourth soon after, burying a strike from outside the box into the bottom-left corner in the 58th minute. The Monarchs were unable to find a way back into the match, and were held to zero shots on goal by a suffocating San Jose defense en route to a 4-0 loss on Sunday.
On Wednesday, September 16, Real Monarchs return home to take on Minnesota United FC 2 in its penultimate game of the season. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. MT at Zions Bank Stadium.
SJ 4 : 0 SLC
GOAL-SCORING SUMMARY:
SJ: Tomo Allen (Nick Fernandez) 17’: San Jose pressured the Monarchs high up the pitch, forcing the visitors to lose possession just outside their penalty box. After a deflected clearance attempt by the defence, Fernandez passed the ball into an open Allen, who finished with a left-footed shot past Kerkvliet.
SJ: Zachary Bohane (Tomo Allen) 40’: After applying a high press, San Jose won the ball near the corner flag and quickly shifted its focus to the goal. Julian Donnery crossed the ball into Allen, who took a touch in the box before laying the ball off to an open Bohane, who finished with a one-touch strike.
SJ: Zachary Bohane (Warren Boyce) 46’: Seconds into the half San Jose attacked the right flank, with Boyce getting open and sprinting down the sideline. The winger looked up and lofted in a perfect cross to Bohane, who was wide open and finished with an easy header.
SJ: Nick Fernandez (Unassisted) 58’: After intercepting a San Jose cross, the Monarchs defense unsuccessfully cleared the ball to Fernandez, who finished with a low-driven right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.
LINEUPS:
Real Monarchs (4-4-2): Max Kerkvliet ©; Gio Villa (Chance Cowell, 59’), Felix Ewald, Liam O’Gara (Dylan Kropp, 76’), Luis Rivera (Isaac Murphy, 59’); Nico Silva (Diego Rocio, 76’), Izzy Amparo, Hayden Sargis, Linkon Ream; Zach Lifferth, Owen Anderson
Subs not used: Trace Alphin, Giovanni Calderon, Handwalla Bwana
San Jose Earthquakes II (4-3-3): Nathan Crockford; Jacob Heisner (Darius Johnson, 73’), Alejandro Cano ©, Max Floriani, Shane De Flores; Nick Fernandez (Rohan Rajagopal, 73’), Kaedren Spivey, Edwyn Mendoza (Gabriel Bracken Serra, 84’); Julian Donnery (Jermaine Spivey, 49’), Tomo Allen (Warren Boyce, 46’), Zachary Bohane
Subs not used: Connor Lambe, Jorge Torres, Dominic Lorenti, Martin Mukah Kwende Jr.,
Stats Summary: SJ / SLC
Shots: 13 / 1
Shots on Goal: 10 / 1
Saves: 0 / 6
Corner Kicks: 8/ 0
Fouls: 11 / 15
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
SLC: Izzy Amparo (Yellow Card, 24’)
SJ: Jacob Heisner (Yellow Card, 34’)
SJ: Nick Fernandez (Yellow Card, 61’)
SLC: Chance Cowell (Yellow Card, 90+2’)
