Real Monarchs SLC 1 vs San Antonio FC 2
September 3, 2018; Herriman, Utah; Zions Bank Stadium
Real Monarchs SLC (17-8-2, 53 points); San Antonio FC (11-9-7, 40 points)
Man of the Match:
Goalkeeper Adam Grinwis shielded the back of the Monarchs net to limit the San Antonio lead throughout the night. Grinwis made impressive back-to-back saves near the 30
th
minute as he dove with an extended palm to clear a shot then finger-tipped the ball out over the bar minutes later. With a total of six saves on the night, Adam Grinwis brought home Man of the Match.
Telling Stat: 17. Real Monarchs used its dominating possession to create chances and register a total of 17 shots towards the San Antonio goal, 13 of which came in the second half. Though only one found the back of the net, Monarchs SLC never became discouraged and continued to fight to the very end in search of the equalizer.
What You Missed: Real Monarchs SLC fell at home for the first time in the 2018 season, taking the loss at the hands of San Antonio FC, 1-2. Defender Konrad Plewa punched his goal-scoring ticket for the first time in the 2018 season, becoming the 15th Monarchs player to notch a goal this season. Adam Grinwis made two massive saves back to back near the end of the first half, tallying up six saves throughout the night, keeping San Antonio within reach of the equalizer by preventing a distancing lead.
So What: While the undefeated home streak of the Real Monarchs has come to an end, the race for the top seed in the West is still alive and well. The Monarchs still sit as the leaders of the Western-Conference, two points ahead of the closest rival, Orange County SC with a game in hand. There are still seven games and 21 points left to grab for Real Monarchs to secure its spot as the leaders of the Western Conference table before the regular season ends. The Monarchs will continue the final run on Saturday, September 9, on the road against Rio Grande Valley FC. The evening kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MT and can be watched on ESPN+.
