Real Monarchs SLC 2-1 Orange County SC
May 4, 2018; Herriman, Utah; Zions Bank Stadium
Real Monarchs SLC (5-1-1, 16 points); Orange County SC (5-3-1, 16 points)
Man of the Match: Having a hand in both goals in the Monarchs 2-1 victory over Orange County was midfielder Maikel Chang. The Cuba native notched the first goal in Zions Bank Stadium history and his first in a Monarchs uniform in just the 6th minute before playing provider to Juan Ignacio Mare’s winner in the 90th minute. Chang now has four assists and a goal to his name through seven games in 2018.
Telling Stat: 96.1. Real Monarchs midfielder Justin Portillo earned 96.1% passing accuracy against Orange County, including 94.1% passing accuracy in the opposing half. Portillo controlled the midfield play for the full 90 minutes, dictating the Monarchs attack to help the Utah club claim the first victory at Zions Bank Stadium.
What You Missed: The Monarchs earned its first victory at Zions Bank Stadium courtesy of Juan Ignacio Mare’s winner in the 90th minute. The club earned the victory just four days after opening its new home in Herriman with a scoreless draw against Las Vegas.
So What: The win brought the Monarchs within reach of the top spot in the Western Conference now sitting just two points behind Sacramento Republic FC and level on points in second place with Orange County SC. The Monarchs will have an opportunity to reach the summit of the Western Conference on Wednesday, May 9 when it hosts 2017 USL Cup Runner-Up Swope Park Rangers at 7:00 p.m. MT at Zions Bank Stadium. Tickets to the match are still available at RealMonarchs.com.
