Real Monarchs SLC 1 at Tulsa Roughnecks FC 0
March 24, 2018; Tulsa, Oklahoma; ONEOK Field
Real Monarchs SLC (1-0-0, 3 points); Tulsa Roughnecks FC (0-2-0, 0 points)
Man of the Match:
Making his regular-season debut for the Monarchs, Maikel Chang registered two assists in the match. His first assist came after just seven minutes when his cross from the right flank found the run of Corey Baird who headed home the game’s first goal and the first Monarchs goal of the 2018 season. Chang’s second assist of the evening came in the 88
th
minute when his low cross found the feet of Chandler Hoffman who poked home the equalizing goal to spur the Monarchs to a season opening victory.
Telling Stat: Throughout the match the Monarchs pressed the Roughnecks goal and controlled the possession in the match, earning 54% of the overall possession during its opening match of 2018. While carrying 54% of the possession, the Monarchs also earned 12 corner kicks in Tulsa, eight of which came before halftime with the Monarchs nearly capitalizing on several chances from those corners.
What You Missed: Three Monarchs players made their regular-season debuts for the club as Maikel Chang, Justin Portillo both started the match before Kalen Ryden made an appearance as a second half substitute.
Additionally, six players from the starting lineup for the Monarchs on Saturday are currently signed with Real Salt Lake’s first team. Alex Horwath, Adam Henley, Nick Besler, Danny Acosta, Pablo Ruiz and Corey Baird started the match, while three more players – Connor Sparrow, Jose Hernandez and Ricky Lopez-Espin – started the match on the bench. Lopez-Espin entered the match for the final five minutes and stoppage time, bringing the total number of RSL players featuring in the match to seven.
So What: After falling behind 2-1 midway through the first half, the Monarchs showed character and resilience in the late come-from-behind victory at ONEOK Field. Scoring in the 89th and 90th minutes to secure victory, Mark Briggs’ side remains undefeated in season-opening matches, holding a 3-0-1 (10 points) record since its inaugural season opening match in 2015.
