Real Monarchs 1 (2) vs. Timbers 2 1 (4)
April 24, 2022; Hillsboro Stadium, Hillsboro, Oregon
Real Monarchs (0-2-2, 2 points); Timbers 2 (0-2-2, 4 points)
Man of the Match: In his Real Monarchs debut and first start of the season, goalkeeper Tomas Gomez shored up the backline, making multiple stops in crucial moments for the team to hold Timbers 2 to just one goal. Gomez’s nine saves are the most for a Monarchs goalkeeper this season, he also set a record for the least amount of goals conceded in a match thus far.
Telling Stat: Midfielder Pedro Fonseca scored his fourth goal of the season. Fonseca has now scored in each of the last three matches for Real Monarchs, averaging a goal every 90 minutes. The Brazilian midfielder is currently tied for second in the golden boot race in the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro, just one goal shy of league leader Roberto Avila.
What You Missed: Real Monarchs earned its first point on the road this season in a 1-1 draw with Timbers 2. However, the team was unable to secure the extra point in the shootout, falling 4-2 in kicks from the penalty mark. RSL Homegrown players Bode Davis and Chris Garcia made their first starts for the Monarchs this season, while RSL Academy product Gershon Henry, midfielder Tyrone Mondi and goalkeeper Tomas Gomez made their MLS NEXT Pro debuts.
What’s Next: Real Monarchs return to the Zions Bank Stadium to face St. Louis City 2 on Friday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m. MT. Prior to the match there will be a block party, including free food, giveaways and food trucks held in the North parking lot at 5:45 p.m. MT, with gates opening just 15 minutes later at 6:00 p.m. MT. Tickets can be purchased at rsl.com/monarchs/tickets/
