Real Monarchs 0 vs. 4 Sporting Kansas City II
April 14, 2023; Zions Bank Stadium; Herriman, Utah_Real Monarchs (1-3-0, 3 points); Sporting Kansas City II (2-1-1, 8 points)_
Telling Stats: This loss to rivals Sporting Kansas City II marks just the second time that Real Monarchs have been held to less than 35% possession in team history. The last time that the Monarchs were held under 35% possession came against rivals Colorado Rapids 2 on June 12, 2022. Real Monarchs have failed to win the battle for possession in any game this season.
What You Missed: Sporting Kansas City II struck first with a goal in the 6th minute of the match when Sebastian Cruz landed an impressive shot from 25 yards out. Kansas City continued to pressure the Monarchs in the first half of the match with their aggressive play, creating a multitude of chances. Jah’Mani Stapleton made his Real Monarchs debut in the 42nd minute after Gennaro Nigro suffered an injury in the 35th minute preventing him from continuing. The Monarchs only shot of the first half came in the 45th minute from Bertin Jacquesson, but the team failed to score before the break. At the start of the second half Sporting continued the onslaught with their second goal of the match coming in the 55th minute when Lucas Rosa netted himself a goal from outside the 18-yard-box. 13 minutes later SKC II scored once again when Andrew Draper beat Stapleton on the wing allowing him to cross the ball into the six yard box, setting up Ethan Bryant with an easy tap in. The last goal of the match came in the 71st minute when Sebastian Cruz found Pau Vidal in the box who recorded another goal for Kansas City.
What’s Next?: Real Monarchs will travel to Arlington, Texas to face off against North Texas SC on Friday, April 21 at Choctaw Stadium.
