Real Monarchs earn draw in inaugural match against LA Galaxy II

The inaugural season for the Real Monarchs began with a goalless draw in Los Angeles.  The match started at a fast pace with the USL sophomores Los Dos taking advantage of the freshman Utah side early on.

Los Angeles Galaxy II's Adonis Amaya had the best chance of converting for the home side in the 27 minute.  Sending a rocket from outside the 18 yard box, Monarchs goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez was forced to make a diving save to keep Los Dos off the scoring sheet.

Despite the referee handing out fouls like they were candy in the first half, the Monarchs were able to string together some good plays.  Both Ricardo Velazco and Lucas Baldin made some decent offensive plays for the Monarchs but were unable to convert.  Sebastian Saucedo also made some smart runs but was caught offside or had to pull out wide not really challenging LA's goalkeeper.

Fernandez came out on the second half more determined than ever stopping two well struck shots within the first five minutes of the half.

The Monarchs offense began to click in the second half making Los Dos' goalkeeper Clement Diop come up with some great saves.  Saucedo proved to be the catalyst in both the 51 and 60 minutes making the goalkeeper work.  The Monarchs were unable to score, however, and after a solid ten minute stretch started to lose ground to LA once again.

LA's Ariel Lassiter had the second best chance to convert in the 75 minute.  Lassister was slipped in past the Monarchs defense by a cutting ball but lost his footing just before he got his shot off.

The Monarchs would then suffer from defensive miscues late in the match that led to LA corner kick after corner kick in the last ten minutes of the match.  The Utah side would hold strong though and finish their first competitive match with a point.