Real Monarchs 1 vs. 0 Sporting Kansas City II
May 26, 2023; Rock Chalk Park; Lawrence, Kansas
Real Monarchs (4-6-0, 12 points); Sporting Kansas City II (4-4-2, 15 points)
Man of the Match: Gilberto Garcia created the chance for the lone goal on the night when he received the ball at his feet, turning and creating some magic by splitting three defenders before sending the ball into the six-yard-box that in turn got the deflection which went into the back of the net. Garcia played 81 minutes, making his presence known and helping the team on its way to the 1-0 road result.
Telling Stats: Real Monarchs were able to score their first goal since May 5 thanks to an own goal by Sporting KC II in the 32nd minute of play. RSL Academy forward Gilberto Garcia crossed the ball in, leading to a deflection from the home side. The team has been shut out in its last two games and with the victory was able to snap a three game losing streak. This was the Monarchs first win since April 30th against Timbers2 and first win on the road since April 21st.
What You Missed: The match's first 30 minutes had multiple chances for both sides as they looked to assert physical dominance. Sporting KC II was close to putting a goal on the board however Monarchs goalkeeper Fernando Delgado once again stepped up in goal, denying any shots from going into the net. The Monarchs were able to score their first goal in almost three weeks in the 32nd minute thanks to a nice move by Gilberto Garcia who sent the ball into the six yard box, after splitting three defenders. A deflection from SKC II’s defender Lucas Rosa sent the ball into the back of the net for the go-ahead goal. The Monarchs were able to hold off any real chance from SKC II and the match went into halftime 1-0. The start of the second half had the Monarchs bound to their defensive half with SKC II putting the offensive pressure on full force, but only putting the ball into the hands of Delgado. SKC II nearly brought the game level in the 72nd minute, but Delgado made himself big forcing the forward to hit the upright. The Monarchs were able to hold off SKC II to get the 1-0 win on the road.
What’s Next?: Real Monarchs head South to Austin, Texas’ Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center to face off against Austin FC II on Friday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m. MT for the first ever matchup between the two sides.
