
Real Monarchs Snowed Under 2-5 Away at Colorado Springs Friday Night
April 18, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Real Monarchs News Release
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Real Monarchs battled both the elements and the onslaught of its Colorado Springs hosts Friday night, falling by a 5-2 scoreline to Switchbacks FC in a match that will be remembered for near-whiteout conditions for the first 30-minutes of the second half.For the fourth time in five games, Head Coach Freddy Juarez' USL expansion side allowed an early goal by its opponent - this time by Switchbacks MF Miguel Gonzalez - but battled back and competed.
Real Monarchs (0-3-2, 2 points, 8th West) arrived Thursday night in Colorado Springs, just 36 hours after its newest player - FW Max Rauhofer, a dual-passport striker - arrived from Montevideo, Uruguay. Joining Rauhofer on the trip were five players on loan from MLS parent club Real Salt Lake, as GK Lalo Fernandez, DF Boyd Okwuonu, DF Phanuel Kavita, DF Justen Glad and MF Fito Ovalle each made their fifth USL appearance of the season.
As it has before, Monarchs dug out of the early hole to equalize, as winger Eti Tavares slotted home his first goal of the season in the 17th minute, set up by Utah-born Garrett Losee. Level terms were short-lived, however, as the home side was awarded a penalty kick in the 25th minute, MF Luke Vercollone converting from the spot after DF Darion Copeland was whistle for a foul in the box.
Down 1-2, the Monarchs were unable to get to halftime at that score, surrendering a quick counterattack goal to Colorado Springs' Saeed Robinson just before the break. Down 3-1 and dealing with heavy snowfall, the Monarchs battled throughout the second half, nearly seeing Rauhofer set up teammate Ricardo Velazco on a breakaway, but having the play halted by an inadvertent whistle.
With 7 minutes remaining, Rauhofer - nicknamed "El Tanque" - struck the back of the net to narrow the deficit, heading home a Velazco cross and giving the club hope in the imposing Uruguayan's debut. Another late equalizer was not in the cards, however, as Colorado Springs iced the game through Martin Maybin just before stoppage time, then adding another penalty kick by Vercollone in second-half stoppage time for the final 5-2 margin.
Still seeking the franchise's first-ever win, Monarchs return to action with back-to-back home games at Rio Tinto Stadium to close out the month of April. On Saturday, April 25, the Monarchs host #LosDos, LA Galaxy II, at 8:00 p.m. MT, before a midweek game on Wednesday, April 29 against defending USL champion Sacramento Republic FC at 7:00 p.m. MT. Tickets for both games - starting at just $8 - are available at 431f6c1e50be51d8f8fbf5d04 www.RealMonarchs.com.
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