Real Monarchs Draw 1-1 with Vancouver, Claim Second Point in Shootout

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

HERRIMAN, Utah – Real Monarchs (4-10-4, 11th West) came back from and early goal with a late equalizer to send the match to a shootout, Ilijah Paul and Tommy Silva the heroes as SLC emerged victorious to claim a second point with a thrilling 9-8 shootout performance.

In a match that saw both teams combine for only five shots on target through 90 minutes, an early mistake leading to goal in the fourth minute seemed like it would prove to be the difference for Real Monarchs. Despite the shaky start, a dominant second half capped off by an electrifying late equalizer by Paul sent the teams to a shootout with a third point up for grabs. Notably, a last-minute scuffle between the teams saw two Monarchs players, including goalkeeper Fernando Delgado, dismissed from play, leaving SLC with only nine men and no traditional goalkeeper going into the shootout.

With each squad missing one of their first two shots, they would go on to slot home 15 consecutive goals before the Vancouver player attempted to lift his shot over Paul, his attempt connecting with the woodwork and clattering back into play for a miss. With a point on the line in a sudden death scenario, Silva, who missed the first attempt, stepped up with a clinical strike to redeem himself and his squad as the team mobbed him and Paul in celebration.

On paper, SLC was in total control of the match, easily controlling possession, outshooting Vancouver by a factor of 10 (20-2) and nearly doubling the Whitecaps in passing (518-275). The timely substitutions of Manager Mark Lowry proved crucial as Silva and Paul were both second-half entrants to the affair, other impactful second half subs included Matthew Bell and Bertin Jacquesson, the pair combining for four shots in 59 minutes. The 1-1 finish marks a third consecutive draw for Real Monarchs, bolstering the team’s 4-4-2 record when playing in the Beehive State this season.

A highlight in the back, CB Erik Holt led the match with 85 passes (94.4%) alongside CB Zack Farnsworth (79 P, 91.9%) and MF Noel Caliskan (72 P, 96%). Following the match, Captain Keller Storlie, alongside Farnsworth and Caliskan, all rank in the top 12 in completed passes in all of MLS NEXT Pro. Real Monarchs now looks forward to a road matchup with LAFC2 on Sunday, August 4, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. MT.

GOAL-SCORING SUMMARY:

SLC – 4′ – Nicolas Chateau (Cyprian Kachwele): RSL was on the back foot early,…