Real Monarchs SLC 2 vs Oklahoma City Energy FC 1
October 3, 2018; Herriman, Utah; Zions Bank Stadium
Real Monarchs SLC (18-12-3, 57 points); Oklahoma City Energy FC (12-15-6, 42 points)
Man of the Match: Forward Sebastian Saucedo was the target man on the wing for Real Monarchs, creating five key passes and taking seven total shots towards goal. Saucedo kicked off the scoring with a rocket in the early minutes of the match, then provided the Monarchs with the go-ahead winner early in the second half to secure the three points and end the winless run.
Telling Stat: 19. Keeping the momentum from the strong attack in its weekend match, Real Monarchs continued to put the pressure on Energy ‘keeper Cody Laurendi, registering a total of 19 in towards goal. The pressure paid off however, as the chances created from linking up the team with a passing game gave the Monarchs the two goals needed to come away with the three points.
What You Missed: Real Monarchs played its final home game in the inaugural season of Zions Bank Stadium, closing out the last regular season at home with a positive tune of 2-1. Goalkeeper Connor Sparrow made an appearance for the first time since June 26, after having been sidelined due to a knee injury. Forward ‘Bofo’ Saucedo also made an appearance for the Monarchs, rifling away a volley and slipping in the go-ahead winner to snap the winless skid. Kenya International Defender Stanley Okumu made his debut for the Real Monarchs, playing a key role on the backline to prevent OKC from scoring in the run of play.
So What: The Real Monarchs played its last home game of the 2018 Regular Season, ending it on a high note by leaving the field triumphantly and snapping the seven-game winless skid. The Monarchs now head back out on the road for its 2018 Regular Season finale, returning to California, to play Fresno FC. Real Monarchs will be looking to build on the momentum it picked up at Zions Bank Stadium, to go into the playoffs with confidence. The Monarchs will get a small break before its California trip, as the match against Fresno FC is set for Saturday, October 13. Kickoff from Chukchansi Park is set for 8:00 p.m. MT. Don’t miss the regular season finale and watch the game streaming live from ESPN+.
