HERRIMAN, Utah (Monday, July 18, 2022) – Real Monarchs are set to open the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro Invitational, hosting Chelsea FC U-21 at Rio Tinto Stadium on Tuesday, July 19 with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. MT. The match will mark the first game at the RioT for the Monarchs since the summer of 2020.
Tuesday’s match, as well as all MLS NEXT Pro Invitational matches, will be streamed live via www.MLSnextPro.com.
Real Monarchs vs Chelsea FC U-21
Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah
Tuesday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. MT
Game Notes for Tuesday’s RM vs CHE game Available Online
The Adobe PDF version of the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Invitational Game Guide in advance of Tuesday’s contest between Real Monarchs and Chelsea FC U-21 can be found here. Media members looking to receive the document as an attachment or have further questions are asked to please contact Meg Van Dyk in RSL Communications via email at meg.vandyk@rsl.com.
Invitational Records: Real Monarchs (0-0-0, 0 points); Chelsea FC U-21 (0-0-0, 0 points)
PICKING UP STEAM
Real Monarchs have won their last two home matches in regular season play, defeating Timbers 2 4-0 and Sporting Kansas City II 1-0. The two shutouts marked the first clean sheets of the season for RSL Homegrown Gavin Beavers. During that time, the Monarchs have scored five unanswered goals from four different players, including Tyrone Mondi with two, Axel Kei, Chris Garcia, and Benjamin Rodriguez. The goals from Garcia and Rodriguez were their first goals of the season.
RETURN TO THE RIOT
Real Monarchs return to Rio Tinto Stadium for the first time since July 11, 2020 against San Diego Loyal FC. The match was the team's first since the COVID-19 pandemic began and is believed to be one of the first to welcome fans back to watch a live sporting event. RSL Homegrowns Bode Davis and Zach Farnsworth made their professional debuts as starters for Real Monarchs in said match. Prior to the 2018 season, Rio Tinto Stadium served as the home field for Real Monarchs, the Club officially moved from Rio Tinto to Zions Bank Stadium in 2018.
STIFF COMPETITION
The MLS NEXT Pro Invitational marks the first time Premier League 2 teams have journeyed to the United States for a tournament against MLS NEXT Pro teams. Chelsea FC and Wolves are two clubs known for their ability to develop top-level talent like John Terry, Mason Mount, Robbie Keane, and Joleon Wescott.
