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MLS NEXT Pro Real Monarchs

Zavier Gozo Scores First Professional Goal in Monarchs' Shootout Loss

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


Herriman, Utah - Real Monarchs (6-12-3, 22 points, 12th in West) came back from a one-goal deficit to force kicks from the penalty spot despite being down a man for 80 minutes, taking a hard earned point after dropping the shootout in the 11th round.

The Monarchs fell into a hole quickly in the 10th minute when San Jose linked up inside the box for a quick one-two combination, with Eduardo Blancas finishing off the goal on a one timer. Just two minutes later goalkeeper Fernando Delgado was sent off after handling the ball outside of the area, reducing the Monarchs to 10 men with 75+ minutes to play as Derrek Chan was subbed on for Owen Anderson to replace Delgado in net.

In the 28th minute the Monarchs nearly drew first blood when a threatening cross was sent into the box, but Keller Storlie's header missed the far post by inches. The attempt proved to be the only real chance for either team in the first half as the Monarchs did well down a man to contain the Earthquakes' attack, holding San Jose to a 1-0 lead at the half.

Both teams fought for the upper hand in the opening 20 minutes of the second half, with neither side able to create any significant chance on goal. Finally in the 68th minute, Bode Hidalgo tore down the right wing and centered a ball onto the feet of Zavier Gozo, who blasted a shot past the diving keeper for his first professional goal, pulling the Monarchs even 1-1.

Substitute goalkeeper Derrek Chan made a huge reaction save from a header in front of net in the 90th minute to keep the game tied, sending the match into kicks from the penalty spot. In the shootout, Chan once again came up big making a save on San Jose's second attempt, but Earthquakes 'keeper Emmanuel Ochoa responded with a save on Bode Hidalgo in the fourth round to even it up. In sudden death, both teams exchanged converted penalties until the 11th round when Moses Nyeman missed his second penalty, giving the Earthquakes the extra point.

UP NEXT: Real Monarchs will play again at Zions Bank Stadium on Saturday, August 12 against North Texas SC, with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. MT. The last time the two sides faced off in April the Monarchs took all three points in a narrow 1-0 victory off the back of a stoppage time winner from Moses Nyeman.

Real Monarchs (4-3-3): Fernando Delgado (red card 12'); Bode Hidalgo, Bobby Pierre, Delentz Pierre (Zack Farnsworth 85'), Keller Storlie; Griffin Dillon (Ilijah Paul 64'), Moses Nyeman, Tyrone Mondi (Amferny Sinclair 85'); Gilberto Garcia (Omar Alba 64'), Owen Anderson (Derrek Chan 13'), Zavier Gozo

Subs not used: Dominic Berrios, Gershon Henry, Cayne Madhlangove, Jude Wellings

San Jose Earthquakes II (4-4-2): Emmanuel Ochoa; Oscar Verhoeven, Alejandro Cano, Casey Walls, Keegan Tingey; Eduardo Blancas, Jerry Ayon (Cruz Medina 77'), Cameron Cilley (Edwyn Mendoza 46'), Roberto Hategan (Aaron Edwards 66'); Will Richmond, José Serrano

Subs not used: Sebastian Carbajal, Alex Chow, Eric De La Cerda, Israel Carrillo

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:

RM: Fernando Delgado (red - ejection) 12'

SJ: Alejandro Cano (caution) 45'+1'

RM: Delentz Pierre (caution) 45'+2'

RM: Moses Nyeman (caution) 80'

SJ: Cruz Medina (caution) 90'

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