Monarchs survive rough erratic match with a 2-1 victory over Reno 1868 FC

The Monarchs came out with 4 guest players down from parent RSL. Lalo Fernandex started in goal and David Horst made a second straight start in central defense. Omar Holness in midfield and Ricardo Velasco on the left wing rounded out the guest players.

Both sides managed to consistently create chances throughout most of the game with the biggest obstacles being the inconsistent and disruptive actions of the officiating crew. Lalo Fernandez had the first of his five saves in the 10’ when Antoine Hoppenot found early success on the flank and put a bad angle shot directly on goal.

The Monarchs replied in the 22’ when Ricardo Velazquez robbed a Reno defender and placed a ball forward to Sebastian Velazquez who connected with Andrew Brody on a run to the center and a goal.

Antoine Hoppenot replied for Reno in the 34’ when he collected a long ball up the scenter and turned away from two Monarach defenders before slotting the ball home past Fernandez.

Dan Kelly, the leading scorer in USL, had his only good look in the 42’ but Fernandez made himself big and collected his second save of the night.

Sebastian Velasquez whipped in a beautiful corner which Taylor Peay finished past Reno’s goalee, Andrew Tarbell, just before the whistle blew ending the half with a 2-1 Monarchs lead.

The Monarchs had several good chances in the 2nd half including Nick Besler shot in the 56’ which forced Tarbell’s only save of the match and another nice header by Peay.

Lalo had three more great saves in the second half, but the most memorable save of the Match was probably the upper crossbar which blocked goalee Andrew Trabell’s effort from just several yards in front of the goal in stoppage time.

And then just moments later Tarbell was back once again with another shot that found the back of the net only to be disallowed on an offside call.

Despite the frenetic second half and stoppage time that seemed it would never end, the Monarachs preserved their 2-1 half-time lead and came away victorious for the ninth match in a row.

Scoring

22’ – SLC – Andrew Brody (Sebastian Velasquez)

34’ – RNO – Antoine Hoppenot (Chris Wehan)

45’ – SLC – Taylor Peay (Sebastian Velasquez)

Discipline

Yellow Cards

18’ – RNO – Lindo Mfeka

81’ – RNO – Jimmy Ockford

90’ – SLC – Nick Besler

90+6’ – SLC – Sebastian Velasquez

Real Monarchs SLC: (4-2-3-1) Fernandez; Curinga (Moberg 82’), Gallagher, Horst (Lachowecki 61’), Peay; Besler, Holness; Velazco (Haber 68’), Velasquez , Brody; Hoffman

Reno 1868 FC: (4-3-1-2) Tarbell; Murrell, Griffiths (Fernandes 73’), Ockford, Richards; Wehan, LaGrassa, Yueill (Casiple 59’); Mfeka (Burgos 79’); Kelly, Hoppenot

Three Highlights for the Monarchs:

1. The Monarchs came out rather flat and survived one of the leagues best attacking squads with a 201 victory.
2. The Monarchs have sole possession of the longest winning streak in the USL record book with a nine game wining streak.
3. Andrew Brody bagged a goal for the second straight game to continue the revival from the right side of the field.

MEDIA

USLSOCCER.COM: Monarchs Earn Historic Ninth Victory

RSL.COM: Real Monarchs Break All-Time USL Record with Ninth Consecutive Victory

RSL.COM: Quote Sheet: Real Monarchs 2-1 Reno 1868

VIDEO: RM v. Reno: Briggs postgame reaction

VIDEO: Highlights