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The Monarchs continue play in the inaugural Four Corners Cup competition at 8 PM this evening at Zions Bank Stadium. Organized and run by the fans of the four USL Championship teams (Real Monarchs SLC, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, New Mexico United, Phoenix Rising FC) to demonstrate regional superiority, the actual cup will be on display at the tailgate prior to tonight’s Red White and Blue match.
The Monarchs come into this match with a 3 game winning streak which includes their first two victories on the road. During those matches the Monarchs have outscored their opponents 10-5 with demonstrated a new found offensive finesse.
Beyond simply notching another victory in their only multi-match streak this season, it will be important for the Monarchs to take advantage of goal leader Douglas Martinez and defensive destroyer Ricardo Avila who were called up for U-23 international duty earlier this week. Martinez will join Honduras for 2020 Olympic qualifiers on July 19th and 21st and the at the Pan American Games from July 29th to August 4th. Avila will play for Panama in 2020 Olympic qualifying on July 17th and 21st and then again in the Pan American Games from July 29th to August 4th. Each will miss at least three matches.
Returning from three straight starts for Kenya in the Africa Cup of Nations, Stanley Okumo will be back with the team and help fill the defensive backline as interim Head Coach Jamison Olave once again takes the reins after former Head Coach Martin Vasquez suddenly left Monarchs earlier this week.
New Mexico United, a first year club who handily beat the Monarchs in Albuquerque were the early season surprise of USL Championship and have defeated 2 MLS sides (Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas) in a long run in the 2019 US Open Cup. Their quarter-final match again Minnesota United FC will take place at Allianz Field next Wednesday and might be a cause for some squad rotation tonight in Herriman.
With RSL on the road in San Jose and the Royals on a bye, you still have an excellent chance to see some professional soccer at Zions Bank Field this evening at 8 PM.