April 29, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Real Monarchs News Release
Herriman, Utah -In its return to Zions Bank Stadium, Real Monarchs (0-3-2, 2 points) fell to St. Louis City 2 (4-1-0, 12 points) 2-0 in the two clubs’ first-ever meeting.
New signing Golden Mafwenta made his first appearance for the Monarchs while goalkeeper Tomas Gomez had another strong showing in goal with five saves.
In St. Louis City 2’s first ever visit to Zions Bank Stadium, the two clubs found themselves in the trenches for much of the first half. Both sides split possession and shots with the majority of play being in the middle of the field. The best opportunity for the Monarchs came in the 21st minute on a freekick from defender Mafwenta that went just wide. As the half came to a close, it seemed as if St. Louis was gaining momentum, but some key saves from Gomez kept the score level at 0-0 going into halftime.
At the opening of the second half the match continued to be evenly matched with both sides seeing opportunities, yet unable to find the back of the net. In the 67th minute, St. Louis nearly found the first goal of the match when midfielder Vitor Diaz curled a shot from point-blank range but Gomez was able to make the diving save.
St. Louis City 2 kept the pressure on and broke through in the 76th minute with a goal from forward Josh Dolling. Midfielder Wan Kuzain fired a shot off the crossbar which bounced to fellow midfielder Sergio Rivas. Rivas flicked it onto Dolling who fired a half-scissor kick into the top-right corner for the eventual game winner. As the match came to a close, Dolling found the back of the net again. As the ball bounced around the box in the 90th minute, Dolling was able to settle the ball and fire a shot into the top-right corner to secure the brace and the 2-0 win.
UP NEXT: Real Monarchs head back on the road for a two-game road swing, first at Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, May 8 at 12:00 p.m. MT before returning to the Pacific Northwest to…
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