Monarchs back home against New Mexico United tonight

The Monarchs have their first of four matches against New Mexico United tonight in the friendly confines of Zions Bank Stadium. Following a loss to Austin Bold on Wednesday, May 26th, the Monarchs’ match last weekend against Hartford Athletic was postponed sue to a positive Covid-19 test during regular weekly testing among the Monarchs’ staff. This has allowed the Monarchs additional time in the own beds and a full week plus to prepare for this match.

Even with the additional rest James Moberg and Chris Garcia are both unavailable and Malik Johnson is questionable. The loss of Garcia and Johnson for the stuttering Monarchs offense which has produced only 3 goals in their first four matches and been shutout twice means we could easily seen a return to the 1-2-4-3 formation which was rolled out in the loss to Austin. The long break in MLS matches for Real Salt Lake could also allowed more RSL players to take the field for the Monarchs during to get some game time and work on fitness.

New Mexico comes into Herriman with 7 points out of their five matches and at fourth place in the Mountain Division standings. The only common opponent that both teams have faced is Austin Bold FC which New Mexico defeated at home while the Monarchs tied at home and lost on the road in Austin. Like the Monarchs, New Mexico’s matches have also been hard fought affairs averaging a double digit number of fouls and they have accumulated 12 yellow cards and a league leading two red cards.

This match will also see former RSL and Monarch players Devon Sandoval, Justin Schmidt and Kalen Ryden return to the Wasatch Front in New Mexico uniforms.

The match kicks off at 8 PM this evening and features a Royalty Day promotion and giveaway for kids. You can also follow the action on ESPN+ live and on delay.

Real Monarchs roster as of June 4th, 2021

Goalkeepers (1): Jimmy Slayton

Defenders (5): Kyle Adams, James Moberg, Jaziel Orozco, Kevin Saucedo, Timi Sobowale

Midfielders (5): Sam Brown, Brayan Gomez, Josimar Quintero, Ibrahim Bancé, Julio Benitez

Forwards (4): Max Mata, Malik Johnson, Juan Vidal, Aris Briggs