MLS NEXT Pro Real Monarchs

Jefferson Savarino Leads the Charge

April 9, 2023 - MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Real Monarchs News Release


Man of the Match: Jefferson Savarino led the offensive outbreak for RSL with four shots on target, three key passes, an assist and a goal of his own. The Venezuelan national hit the ground running in the first half, finding his way into the 18-yard-box and creating chances on net on multiple occasions. The relentless effort paid off in the second half for Savarino, assisting on the build up to Anderson Julio's goal in the 59th minute. His diligence and determination once again proved fruitful in the 62nd minute when he connected with Andrés Gómez, collecting a return pass inside the box and sliding the ball past the 'keeper. Savarino was subbed off in the 83rd minute for Diego Luna, ending an impressive and much needed performance from RSL's number 10.

Telling Stats: RSL picked up its first home win of the 2023 season from its highest goal-scoring effort of the campaign to date. The Club dominated on the attack, leading by a significant margin in shots, shots on goal, and where it mattered most on the scoreboard. The offensive output was highlighted by a three-goal, six-minute barrage at the beginning of the second half which ended the team's 304-minute goal drought extending back to the March 11th match against Austin FC. With the win over Charlotte, RSL is now 9-5-3 at home when facing a new MLS expansion side for the first time.

What You Missed: RSL came out of the gates strong, creating several goal-scoring opportunities in the first 30 minutes. Despite the high pressure and creative offense, it was the visitors who struck first against the run of play when Karol Swiderski curled a left-footed shot around Zac MacMath for the 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. RSL almost tied the game in the 33rd minute when Anderson Julio powered a shot to the back of the net, but he was ruled offside. After the break, RSL started like they did in the first half, with a plethora of chances in the opening minutes. Finally, in the 56th minute, RSL pulled even on a Pablo Ruiz rocket that struck the woodwork and bounced over the goal line. Just three minutes later, Julio added his name to the scorer's sheet, heading home a cross from Andrés Gómez. Capitalizing on the momentum, RSL found the back of the net once again in the 62nd, this time Gómez finding Jefferson Savarino for the put in. The backline and midfield continued strong, keeping Charlotte FC at bay and RSL held on for the 3-1 win.

What's Next?: RSL will travel south to the Lone Star State to face FC Dallas next Saturday, April 15 at 6:30 pm M.T. The Club will finish the month with two home matches on April 22 and 29 against the San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders at America First Field, with both kickoffs set for 7:30 pm M.T.

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