Real Monarchs file police report on behalf of Fernando Delgado

Real Salt Lake Academy player Fernando Delgado was involved in a physical altercation with Jorge Troncoso of Austin Bold FC in the 85th minute of Saturday’s game between the two teams, a sourced confirmed to RSL Soapbox on Saturday. Delgado, who made his professional debut for the Real Monarchs at 15 years old, is believed to be the youngest goal keeper to ever play in a professional soccer game.

It was a heated match and the game finished with six yellow cards and three reds issued. The Monarchs had taken a 3-0 lead, but Austin were making a come back. By the time a free kick was awarded to Austin in the 85th minute, the visitors had scored two goals and were only down 3-2. The free kick was scored, putting the teams level with three goals each.

Once the goal was scored, Delgado picks up the ball and is rushed by three Austin player: Jorge Troncoso, Aldo Quintanilla, and Beto Avila. There is a struggle and Troncoso punches Delgado in the face. Both Troncoso and Delgado receive red cards, though it is unclear what Delgado did to earn that punishment. Both cards are listed for violent conduct.

Real Salt Lake issued the following statement:

“The Real Monarchs have filed a report with the Herriman City Police Department on behalf of Real Salt Lake Academy player Fernando Delgado, based on the events that took place involving Jorge Troncoso of the Austin Bold FC in the final minutes of the match on Saturday afternoon.”

While it is rare for there to be legal action taken due to in-game fighting, it does happen. Delgado, a minor, was struck by the 28-year-old Chilean defender after the play had ended and there was no clear reason for the altercation.

The match would go forward without another major incident. Without a keeper on the field due to Delgado’s ejection, James Slayton replaced Josimar Quintero and the nine-man Monarchs were able to get another goal to defeat the ten-man Bold 4-3.