MNUFC2 fell 2-0 to Real Monarchs at home on Sunday evening, only the second time the team has been shutout this season.
Real Monarchs endured a high-pressure offense from MNUFC2, consequently generating dangerous turnovers in the attacking third. It was a night filled with chance creation for the Twos, but they were unable to make the most of their opportunities.
Midfielder Cameron Dunbar had Minnesota’s two best chances of the first half. In the 11th minute, Dunbar gained control of a giveaway by Real Monarchs and took a shot from long range, missing just wide of the woodwork. Forward Kameron Lacey, with pressure on goalkeeper Fernando Delgado, created a turnover in the middle of the box that allowed Dunbar to run onto the loose ball. The California native let off a shot that was saved by Delgado in the center of the goal.
35 minutes into the match, in an attempt to stop the Real Monarchs counterattack, defender Mikael Marques conceded a foul in the penalty area. Real Monarchs were awarded a penalty kick. Julian Vazquez converted his shot, putting the away side up 1-0.
Real Monarchs extended its lead within a minute of the second half. Goalkeeper Alec Smir punched away a shot from Daron Iskenderian but Iskenderian redirected the ball off the volley and into the back of the net.
The Twos would continue to produce chances the entire second half, the likes of Diogo Pacheco, defender CC Uche and Kameron Lacey but ultimately were unable to get on the board to overcome the Utah side.
With the result, MNUFC2 stand in 7th place in MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference regular-season action with a 6-6-4 record (W-L-D) and 23 points.
MNUFC2 will return to the National Sports Center Stadium for a game against LAFC2 on Sunday, July 16th at 8:00 p.m. CT. The match will be streamed on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
GOALS
1-0 SLC – Julian Vazquez, unassisted (36’)
2-0 SLC – Daron Iskenderian, unassisted (46’)
DISCIPLINAIRY SUMMARY
Caution, MIN – Diogo Pacheco (40’)
Caution, SLC – Kurowskybob Pierre (43’)
Caution, SLC – Jude Wellings (45’)
Caution, MIN – Cameron Dunbar (45’+4’)
Caution, MIN – Juan Mosquera (48’)
Caution, SLC – Bertin Jacquesson (48’)
Caution, SLC – Julian Vazquez (73’)
Caution, SLC – Moses Nyeman (79’)
Caution, SLC – Griffon Dillon (90’+1’)
Caution, SLC – Fernando Delgado (90’+3’)
NOTABLE STATS
1 – MNUFC Academy defender Alisa Randell made his MNUFC2 debut, entering the game off the bench in the 81st minute.
TEAM LEADERS (Updated through July 9)
Goals – Diogo Pacheco (7)
Assists – Diogo Pacheco (4)
Saves – Fred Emmings (31)
Wins – Fred Emmings (4)
Shutouts – Alec Smir (3)
