Real Monarchs Claim Three PointsOver Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2

April 29, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Real Monarchs News Release

HERRIMAN – Real Monarchs (2-3-1, 8 points) converted a 75th-minute own goal from Vancouver White Caps 2 into a 1-0 victory and three home points on Sunday night at Zions Bank Real Academy.

The first 45 minutes of play was back and forth, as neither side was able to find much success in creating clear-cut chances. Real’s first opportunity of the match came early in the third minute of play. With the play switched from right to left on the feet of Tommy Silva, he flicked it over his head for the run of Matthew Bell cutting into the box. Bell cut around three Vancouver defenders and remarkably got off the shot but it was smothered by the charging defense.

Then, in the 20th minute of play, Real came threatening once again. As Omar Alba possessed the ball deep on the right side of the Monarchs’ half, he spotted the run of Zavier Gozo upfield. Pinging a beautiful lofted through ball over the top, Gozo beat his solo marker with pure pace to find himself one-on-one with Vancouver’s Max Anchor – putting the shot just wide on a cross-body attempt with his right foot.

Vancouver was not content to just sit back though, as they got an opportunity of their own just a couple minutes later in the 22nd. Jay Herdman displayed a fancy bit of skill as he flicked the ball over his marker’s head, spinning around them to receive it with a soft touch and pass off to Mihail Gherasimencov for a one-time shot on goal that was saved by Will Mackay.

The second 45 minutes of play started largely the same as the first 45, a match dominated by midfield play with a lack of chances for either team. Real’s first attacking move of the half came in the 49th minute, as Aiden Hezarkahni flew down the right wing, taking on two defenders with physical play and finding a way to shuffle it forward for Damien Barker John for a thundering shot – saved.

The breakthrough would finally come for Real Monarchs in the 75th minute as a result of Real’s unrelenting press. As the Vancouver defense played it back to Anchor in net, Gozo flew at him to apply pressure, deflecting his attempted clearance towards the corner flag. When another Vancouver defender rushed over to clear it from the dangerous area, his attempt deflected off of Anchor and went into their own net, giving Real a 1-0 lead.

Fresh off collecting a one-goal lead, Monarchs pushed and nearly grabbed another in the 79th minute. Gozo once again caused problems with his pace as a…