REAL MONARCHS SLC SHUTOUT FRESNO FC 1-0 IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE
Charlie Adams Nets Winner as Monarchs Look to 2018 USL Cup Playoffs; Monarchs to Host Reno 1868 FC in Western Conference Quarterfinal on October 20
FRESNO, Calif. (Saturday, October 13, 2018) – Real Monarchs SLC (19-12-3, 60 points, 4 West) closed out the 2018 United Soccer League regular season with a 1-0 victory over Fresno FC on Saturday night. The win sees the club secure the right to host the Western Conference Quarterfinal against Reno 1868 FC as well as a top-four finish for the second consecutive season.
Throughout the first half, the Monarchs were put on its heels as Fresno looked for the go-ahead goal, but the back line stood firm to keep the Foxes at bay. GK Andrew Putna made himself big to deny the hosts the lead in the 33rd minute to help usher a Monarchs lead on the other end moments later. In the 37th minute the Monarchs found the game’s opening goal when MF Charlie Adams unleashed a rocket from 35 yards that caught Fresno goalkeeper Kyle Reynish wrong-footed as the ball flew into the roof of the net.
The second half saw both sides trade possession as the Monarchs looked to double its advantage on the counter attack. MF Justin Portillo nearly found the Monarchs second goal midway through the second half, but the crossbar kept the Monarchs at bay.
The Monarchs held onto the 1-0 lead to secure a home playoff match against Reno 1868 FC.
UP NEXT: The Monarchs now enter the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs beginning Saturday, Oct. 20 at 3:00 p.m. MT against Reno 1868 FC.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
SLC: Charlie Adams, 37th minute: After a set piece clearance from Fresno, the ball rolled out to Adams who ran onto the ball before unleashing a ferocious first-time strike that flew into the roof of the net for the opening goal.
NOTES:
- The Monarchs secure a top-four finish for second consecutive season with 1-0 win over Fresno FC.
- Monarchs claim first road victory since June 16 at Saint Louis FC.
- All three victories over Fresno FC this season came in the form of 1-0 results.
Match: Real Monarchs SLC at Fresno FC
Date: October 13, 2018
Venue: Chukchansi Park; Fresno, California
Attendance: 6,248
Weather: 84 degrees and clear skies
Scoring Summary 1 2 F
Real Monarchs SLC 1 0 1
Fresno FC 0 0 0
SLC: Charlie Adams, 37’
Lineups:
Real Monarchs SLC (4-2-3-1): Andrew Putna; James Moberg, Stanley Okumu, Kalen Ryden, Andrew Brody; Justin Portillo, Charlie Adams, Sebastian Velasquez (Juan Ignacio Mare, 88’); Maikel Chang (Josh Heard, 90’+3), Chandler Hoffman (Taylor Peay, 86’), Masta Kacher
Subs not used: Connor Sparrow, Konrad Plewa, Jose Hernandez, Jack Blake
Fresno FC (4-4-2): Kyle Reynish; Zach Ellis Hayden, Brad Kamdem Fewo, Mickey Daly, Ramon Martin Del Campo; Juan Pablo Caffa, Pedro Ribeiro, Jemal Johnson (Renato Bustamante, 85’), Alex Cooper; Christian Chaney, Myer Bevan (Danny Barrera, 71’)
Subs not used: Mark Pais, Noah Argueta, Cory Brown, Agustin Cazarez
Stats Summary: FRS/SLC
Shots: 21 / 10
Shots on Goal: 6 / 3
Saves: 5 / 3
Corner Kicks: 6 / 2
Fouls: 12 / 15
Offside: 3 / 1
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
FRS – Juan Pablo Caffa (caution) 77’
FRS – Ramon Del Campo (caution) 82’
SLC – Stanley Okumu (caution) 86’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Michael Radchuk
Assistant Referees: Alicia Messer, Seth Martin
