As Real Monarchs SLC begin its 4th campaign in the United Soccer League on Saturday at Tulsa Roughnecks FC, we’re looking at the details of the match and three things about the other guys from Oklahoma.
Real Monarchs SLC at Tulsa Roughnecks FC
March 24, 2018; ONEOK Field
6 p.m. MT; RealMonarchs.com
Real Monarchs SLC (0-0-0, 0 points); Tulsa Roughnecks FC (0-1-0, 0 points)
Player to Watch – TRFC goalkeeper Fabián Cerda kept his team in the match during opening weekend, making multiple key saves to keep the match against Oklahoma City Energy close. Standing at 6 feet tall, Cerda is considered one of the top goalkeepers in the USL after tying for fourth place in the USL for saves in 2017 with 90 while registering seven shutouts. His prowess and reflexes inside the penalty area will be key against the Monarchs who scored 59 regular season goals a season ago.
All-time record – The Monarchs trail the all-time series against Tulsa, owning a 1-2-3 record against the Roughnecks with the only victory being at ONEOK Field during the 2016 season. In 2017, the Monarchs lost and drew against the Roughnecks after losing 2-0 at Tulsa in early-July before a scoreless draw in Utah finalized the series between the sides last season.
Last 5 Overall – TRFC has played just one match in all competition in 2018, a 1-0 loss in the first installment of the Black Gold Derby against Oklahoma City Energy during opening weekend. OKC scored just six minutes into the match and the Roughnecks couldn’t find the back of the net. Against the Monarchs, Tulsa will be without its captain Francisco Ugarte after he was booked on two occasions during the OKC match, earning a red card and a one match suspension.
