Monarchs lose twice at home to New Mexico United in four-day span

For the second home match against New Mexico United this week, Head Coach Jamison Olave went back to a three man backline in an attempt to end the scoring drought which left the Monarchs scoreless in their last two matches. Jimmy Slayton had his sixth start in goal with a three man back line of Nicolas Giménez on the right, Taylor Peay in the center and James Moberg on the left in front of him . Andrew Brody and Noah Powder played out wide in midfield on the right and left respectively with Luke Mulholland handling the back part of the midfield in front of the defensive line. Jack Blake, again serving as captain, and Bode Davis played in the attacking midfield with Kyle Sierakowski and Kyle Coffee up on top of the attack.

This more attacking game plan seemed to backfire early as Amando Moreno gave New Mexico United an early lead in the 5th minute as his right footed shot off a cross by Christopher Wehan on set piece situation easily beat Slayton. This immediately put the Monarchs on the back foot and left them basically unable to maintain any sustained possession through the first half. The good news, however, despite all the possession New Mexico was unable to add to their lead and walked off the field at halftime down by only by the single goal.

New Mexico came out confident and attacking with a series of chances that finally lead to the a second goal after only three minutes. Christopher Wehan hit a hard knuckling left footed half volley from outside the box into the bottom left corner of the Monarchs goal.

It look as if the visitors were set to add further to their lead until a quick counterattack resulted in a drought ending goal for the Monarchs. Bode Davis sent a low through ball up to Ryan Sierakowski who proceeded to chip Cody Mizell who was far off his line. This 53rd minute goal pulled the Monarchs back into the match and gave them new life.

However, before the Monarchs could manufacture a tying goal, United fell into a deep possessive style of play forcing the Monarchs to press and begin to leave openings for quick counters of their own. Despite several half chances for both sides the match ended at 1-2 and the Monarchs miss out on the full 9 points available during this home stand.

The Monarchs have a full week to regroup and organize before their next natch on the road against an El Paso Locomotive side which took a full 3 points from the Monarchs just a week ago in Herriman.