Real Monarchs drop 1-0 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks, lose in USOC third round

Real Monarchs conceded early and couldn't find an equalizer as they dropped 1-0 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks in US Open Cup action, dropping in the third round.

An early, avoidable goal from Switchbacks striker Aaron King put the away team in the driver's seat, and for 85 minutes, Monarchs tried to figure out how to break down a staunch, controlled opposition.

Goal - @SwitchbacksFC lead @RealMonarchs 1-0 on goal from @gibron18 in 5th min of @usopencup match https://t.co/KYsmjL9ETR

— Tyler Gibbons (@tylerpgibbons) May 28, 2015

A lightning delay at halftime meant both teams didn't end up coming back out for a good hour, which didn't do any favors to either team. But Real Monarchs came out pushing hard for an equalizer, but a confluence of good goalkeeping, bad luck, and early reluctancy left things until the very end.

Monarchs' best play came late in the second half, as they created chance after chance in the box, which was overloaded with players — still, one shot nearly snuck by, but it slammed off the crossbar instead.

Real Monarchs play again on Saturday, when they'll travel to take on Sacramento Republic FC. Real Salt Lake will have a chance to take on the US Open Cup mantle when they play Seattle Sounders 2 on June 16.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story said "May 16" instead of "June 16." The person responsible for this error has been sacked. (Not really. You still have to deal with me.)