Monarchs give up two late headers in 2-1 loss at home to San Antonio FC

The starting lineup named by Head Coach Mark Briggs included both Sebastian Saucedo and Nick Besler down from RSL for the week and Danny Cruz in his first start for the Monarchs.

The first half was basically a dead heat with both sides having chances and spurts of control but neither side managed to seize momentum or find the back of the net with their single shot on goal.

The second half started much the same with both teams looking lively and creating chances, but that all changed in the 55’ when Sebastian Saucedo went on a long run up the left side. A nice skill check allowed him to move around the initial San Antonio defender and into the box before an excellent finish opened the scoring and give the Monarchs a 1-0 lead.

San Antonio responded immediately and strongly ,but even though they went to a three man back line several nice saves by Connor Sparrow and the post held San Antonio scoreless until the 88’. In a a set piece play Mike Seth got in front of Taylor Peay and sent a nice header goalward which went off Peay for an own goal and a 1-1 tie.

Rather than settling for a point however San Antonio continued to press and found the a winner late in stoppage time on another header found Stephen McCarthy unmarked in the goal and he finished nicely for the 2-1 win.

The Monarchs managed a late corner kick but couldn’t connect and wound up walking off the field behind for the first time this year. OKC Energy FC’s defeat against the Swope Park Rangers earlier in the evening ensured a place for the Monarchs in the playoffs, but it was no compensation for the late collapse and their inability to maintain any type of offensive motion through most of the match.

Goals

55’ – SLC – Sebastian Saucedo (Charlie Adams)

88’ – SA – Taylor Peay (own goal)

90+’ – SA – Stephen McCarthy (Michael Reed)

Discipline

Yellow Cards

8’ – SCL – Kyle Curinga

50’ – SA – Caesar Elizondo

58’ – SA – Kris Tyrpak

68’ – SCL – Sebastian Saucedo

86’ – SA – Sebastien Ibeagha

90’ – SA – Pecka

Real Monarchs SLC: (4-2-3-1) Sparrow; Curinga, Moberg, Peay, Lachowecki; Adams, Besler; Cruz (Brody 73’), Velasquez, Saucedo (Calvo 78’); Hoffman (Mare 83’)

San Antonio FC: (4-4-2): Restrepo; Newnam (Roushandel 87’), Ibeagha, McCarthy, Cochrane; Tyrpak (Guzman 73’), Reed, Pecka, Forbes (Seth 61’); Gordon, Elizondo

Three Highlights for the Monarchs:

1. Danny Cruz had his first start for the Monarchs.
2. Juan Ignacio Mare and Diego Calvo got valuable minutes on the field to help prepare them to contribute in the playoffs. .
3. The Monarchs qualified for their first USL playoff spot despite the late collapse.

MEDIA

USLSOCCER.COM: San Antonio Comback Stuns Monarchs

RSL.COM: Real Monarchs v San Antonio FC: Briggs Postgame Reaction