MLS NEXT Pro Real Monarchs

Gennaro Nigro Steady in Defense But Monarchs Fall in Shootout

Published on June 30, 2023 under MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Real Monarchs News Release


Man of the Match: Gennaro Nigro's leadership on the backline proved critical in the Monarchs' 0-0 draw at home against the second-best team in the Western Conference. The captain covered an immense amount of ground and used his physicality to prevent Austin FC II from scoring. It's the fourth clean sheet of the season for the Monarchs, breaking their 2022 total.

Telling Stats: The 0-0 draw marks the first time in Club history that the Monarchs have picked up a point against Austin FC II. It is the first time since that date that the Monarchs have gotten back-to-back results. Two key players made their return from injury for the Monarchs, as Jenthe Mertens and Zavier Gozo both contributed solid minutes coming off the bench.

What You Missed: The Monarchs came out of the gates with high intensity to open the match. After controlling possession for the first 10 minutes, a freekick from the side set up Delentz Pierre for a header opportunity in front of goal, but his attempt went wide and hit the side netting. Griffin Dillon hit a well-struck bullet in the first-half stoppage time, but the ball was parried away and an offside-obstruction call negated the play. Even 0-0 after the break, both sides struggled in the second half to create scoring chances. In the 79th minute Darón Iskenderian shot a missile from outside the 18-yard-box, but his shot was pushed away by a diving Damian Las. A dangerous corner in the 88th minute nearly had Austin FC II put the ball in the back of their own net, but the crossbar kept it out to keep the game scoreless. Three minutes of stoppage time were not enough for either team to find a game-winner, and the match concluded 0-0, sending the night into kicks from the penalty spot. Each team capitalized on three of the first four takes, with both keepers making a save. Austin FC II's CJ Fodrey connected on the fifth, and Real Monarchs striker Terron Williams was denied by Damian Las giving Los Verdes the extra point.

What's Next?: Real Monarchs head to the Land of 10,000 Lakes to take on Minnesota United FC 2 on Sunday, July 9 at 5:00 p.m. MT. The Monarchs return to Zions Bank Stadium on July 14 to take on Mountain West rivals and first-place Colorado Rapids2 at 8:00 p.m. MT.

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