Monarchs head to Portland to take on Timbers 2

Coming off a draw in LA, the Real Monarchs head up to the Pacific Northwest to take on the Portland Timbers 2. This will be the home opener for T2, who defeated the University of Portland in their final preseason match, 4-1, last Sunday.

The Monarchs are looking for their first victory, but may not receive too much roster help from RSL. With international play going on with national teams, and their parent club missing some starters of their own, RSL will probably not be sending too many of their players to the Monarchs.

That is the challenge that USL clubs with MLS affiliations will face every week. Not only with their own club, but not knowing what the opposing roster will look like. Each week their lineups could look different depending on who the the MLS team wants to send down, and who they want to bring up from the youth academy. Monarchs are missing one of their own, as Emery Welshman will be missing Sunday from the starting lineup, as he was called up to the Guyanese National team.

Two new players that will be with the Monarchs this week are Tyler Arnone and Emilio Orozco.  Arnone is a former Michigan Wolverine and Big 10 midfielder of the year, who spent some time with Detroit City FC of the amateur National Premier Soccer League. Orozco who has played for the U-17 and U-20 US National teams, as well as Tigres, Chivas USA, and Ft. Lauderdale Strikers.

Ed. note: We've just received word from the club that Jordan Murrell has received his work visa, so he'll be eligible for this match, too.

T2's head coach is long time Wake Forest front man Jay Vidovich. Vidovich surprisingly left Wake Forest after 30 years at the program, and 21 years as Head Coach. "I couldn't pass up the opportunity to join the Portland Timbers organization as it is evident across the entire organization and the fan base that the Timbers strive to be successful at all levels," Vidovich said. "I will take great pride in leading T2 and helping the Timbers to achieve success."

The Real Monarchs and T2 will clash in Portland Sunday at 7 p.m., MDT.