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Monarchs fail to break down OKC Energy defense in second 2-0 loss in Oklahoma

Two quick strike counters with excellent finishes by Alex Dixon doom Monarchs who generate only a single shot on goal.

By David Cheever

For the second straight match the Monarchs held more than 62% of the possession without generating a good shot on goal. The only effort which forced a save from the Energy’s Cody Laurendi came in the dying seconds of second half stoppage time off the foot of Chase Minter from far outside the penalty box.

The Energy managed only two shots on goal of their own, but buried both shots. Alex Dixon scored in the 26’ and 56’ minute on two quick breakouts that caught the Monarchs pressing far up field.

However, the Energy’s did miss on their only other good chance which came though a hand ball in the area which was called in the 11’. Andy Craven, who had been successful in five previous PK attempts this year, pushed his shot wide of goal.

As the season progresses the Monarchs should continue expect a lot of 11 men defense in their opponents’ own half and need to continue to focus on breaking down their opponents efficiently and at need. A quick glance at the heat map for the Monarchs during tonight’s game shows a great deal of possession on the left side which the Monarchs were completely unable to capitalize on. In addition, the right side of the attack was nearly non=existent.

OPTA and USLSoccer.com

Discipline

Yellow Cards

31’ – OKC – Alex Dixon

52’ – OKC – Richard Dixon

58’ – SLC – Sebastian Velasquez

Real Monarchs SLC: (4-2-3-1) Sparrow; Curinga, Moberg, Schmidt, Lachowecki; Gallagher (Haber 43’), Adams; Hernandez (Dunk 85’), Velasquez, Minter; Hoffman (Milne 84’)

OKC Energy FC: (4-4-2) Laurendi; R Dixon, Hyland, Daly, Fink; A Dixon (Barril 73’), Andrews Guzman, Wallace; M Gonzalez (D Gonzalez 90’), Craven (Angulo 62’)

Three Highlights for the Monarchs:

  1. Conner Sparrow went the right way on the penalty kick and would have had a shot at stopping it if on target.
  2. The Monarchs have no more regular season matches in Oklahoma. .
  3. The Monarchs appeared the much more active than on Monday despite the poor result.

MEDIA

USLSOCCER.COM: Dixon On the Double for Energy FC

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