Real Monarchs

Game at a Glance: Sam Brown Holds it Down

Real Monarchs 1 vs. El Paso Locomotive 3

July 9, 2021; Zions Bank Stadium

Real Monarchs (2-7-4, 10 points); El Paso Locomotive FC (6-1-3, 21 points)

Man of the Match: Midfielder Sam Brown held down the midfield for the Monarchs, accounting for much of the team’s possession. Brown recorded a 91.5% accuracy on 47 passes, including a solid 90.9% passing accuracy in the opponents’ half of the pitch. Defensively, the midfielder won four duels, recorded three tackles and earned two interceptions.

Telling Stat: Despite even possession in the match and the Monarchs ending the night with a higher shooting percentage (40% to 36.8%), El Paso Locomotive FC still managed to win the match outright. In total, the away side outshout the Monarchs 19-10, including a 7-4 advantage in shots on target. In addition, Monarchs 17-year-old goalkeeper Jeff Dewsnup finished the night with four saves.

What You Missed: 21-year-old Generation adidas defender Bret Halsey, the 7th overall selection in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Virginia, made his professional debut for Head Coach Jamison Olave and the Real Monarchs in the match. Additionally, fellow 2021 MLS SuperDraft pick Aris Briggs scored his third goal in as many matches in just his third-ever start.

So What: Tonight’s match concluded a busy stretch of nine games in 36 days for the Monarchs, an average of one match played every four days. Following a much-needed eight-day break, the club will head to Austin, Texas to take on Bold FC at Bold Stadium for a Sunday night matchup on July 18 at 7:00 p.m. MT.