Real Monarchs defeat San Antonio, Baez scores first goal

Real Monarchs aren’t in a playoff position just yet, but they’re jockeying for position — and they’re now just one point out.

Yes, after missing the playoffs (fairly spectacularly) in their first season last year, they’re on the brink in their second. It only took two brilliant goals to get there, too.

With only two matches remaining, Monarchs will likely need to secure maximum points to leapfrog Orange County Blues to the final playoff spot.

First up? Charlie Adams, a 22-year-old English midfielder who joined the team in early August. He’s picked up speed well, and he scored this well-placed finish to put the team up 1-0.

Don’t let the Tweet confuse you about his name, though.

RSL’s Pedro Baez secured the win with a perfect finish past a much-bearded goalkeeper, and we really should be talking about this kid more.

It wasn’t all clear-cut from the beginning, though. Baez missed a first-half penalty, and although the save was particularly good, it’s also a shot that’s immensely savable.

Finally, Olmes Garcia came on in the dying minutes, and we’ve been told that’s because he needed to play in just one more match to be eligible for USL playoffs. That’s an interesting development, isn’t it?