Real Monarchs defeat LA Galaxy II in season finale 2-1

With the return of Taylor Peay to the lineup Coach Mark Briggs elected to return to the 5-3-2 alignment that worked out so well for the Monarchs in Sacramento and Reno. James Moberg, Taylor Peay and Emilio Orozco formed the core three man back line with wingers Danny Cruz and Max Lachowecki. Captain Nick Besler was in his customary role at defensive with Diego Calvo on the left and Sebastian Saucedo on the right. Juan Mare and Chandler Hoffman formed a partnership up top leading the attack.

From the onset the match was controlled by the Monarchs. Diego Calvo, who took the corners in place of the missing Charlie Adams, found Emilio Orozco unmarked in the 6th minute. Orozco deflected the ball into the net for an earlier 1-0 lead.

After another couple of good looks from Calvo, he forced von Steeg into a save on another corner kick which was punched out to Sebastian Velazquez who deflected it off a Galaxy II defender for a second goal and a 2-0 lead in the 19th minute.

Just before halftime Los Dos for a lifeline when Adrian Vera put on a great display of individual ball skill to get around the Monarch’s defenders and snatch a goal to make the score 2-1 going into the half.

The Monarchs continued to dominate for much of the second half but despite several excellent chances were unable to find another goal. Meanwhile, Connor Sparrow who returned to goal for the first time in three matches had a couple of nice saves to preserve the 2-1 victory.

The USL playoffs come to Salt Lake City for the first, and hopefully not the last time, on Friday as the Monarchs face the Sacramento Republic at 7:30 PM. Join the fun and cheer the Monarchs on in the lead event of the “As One” weekend.

Scoring

6’ – SLC – Emilio Orozco (Diego Calvo)

19’ – SLC – Sebastian Velasquez

42’ – LA – Adrian Vera

Discipline

Yellow Cards

47’ – LA – Alex Covarrubias

45’ – LA – Hugo Arellano

90+3’ – SLC – Danny Cruz

90+7’ – LA – Tyler Turner

Red Card

90+4’ – LA – Jean Engola

Real Monarchs SLC: (5-3-2) Sparrow; Cruz, Moberg, Peay, Orozco (Gallagher 45’), Lachowecki; Calvo; Besler, Velasquez (Hanlin 66’); Hoffman, Mare (Haber 77’)

LA Galaxy II: (4-4-2): vom Steeg; Turner, Payeras, Engola, Arellano; Fujii (Hernandez 83’) , Covarrubias, Jaime Villarreal (Agulliar 83’), Vera; Dhillon (Mendez 76’), Zubak

Three Highlights for the Monarchs:

1. With the return of Taylor Peay the Monarchs once again rode the 5-3-2 formation to a victory.
2. The return of Michael Gallagher, Diego Calvo, Karstin Hanlin and Connor Sparrow to the lineup seems to indicate the Monarchs are healthy returning to the playoffs.
3. The Monarchs jumped on Los Dos early in the match scoring two quick goals at home in a good sign for the playoffs.

MEDIA

USLSOCCER.COM: Monarchs outlast Galaxy II

RSL.COM: Monarchs finish regular season with victory over LA