COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Real Monarchs SLC took a 1-0 victory against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Sunday afternoon as Switchbacks captain Luke Vercollone missed a penalty kick with the final kick of the game at Switchbacks Stadium. Both sides looked to get on the front foot early, which resulted in an open and entertaining game that brought chances at either end. The Monarchs took the lead in the 24th minute, though, as a loose defensive header allowed Elder Torres to knock home a finish, and the Monarchs’ defense held firm until the halftime break. The Switchbacks, aided by some poor passing by Real, took more control in the second half, and Monarchs goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez made a standout save to deny Miguel Gonzalez’s volley soon after the break. Saaed Robinson was also dangerous for the Switchbacks for much of the game, but the hosts were reduced to 10 men when Christian Ibeagha was sent off for a strong challenge on the Monarchs’ Ricardo Velazco with just over 20 minutes to go. The Switchbacks’ JJ Greer was denied at point-blank range by Fernandez, who tipped his header onto the crossbar and out, before Vercollone sent a penalty kick high and wide with the final kick of the game as the Monarchs held on to victory.

Scoring:
24’ – SLC – Elder Torres

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. There might be better-known rivalries in the USL, but the intensity on display when the Switchbacks and Monarchs meet shouldn’t go overlooked. Sunday afternoon’s game was the first meeting this season after the presumptive season-opener was postponed on April 30, and saw both teams bringing energy, and an attacking mindset. With the Monarchs taking their first win at Switchbacks Stadium on Sunday, especially given the game's late drama, expect that intensity to continue when the two sides meet again on Wednesday night.

• 2. The Monarchs looked sharp and well organized in the first half, but almost gave away their advantage early in the second half through some poor passing and decision-making in their own half. It took a very strong performance by goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez – highlighted by his highlight-reel save from Miguel Gonzalez – to keep Real on top until the side regained its composure and started connecting more consistently.

• 3. With the two teams set to meet again on Wednesday night, it will be interesting to see what adjustments coaches Steve Trittschuh of the Switchbacks and Freddy Juarez of the Monarchs make ahead of that game. Sunday afternoon’s affair was definitely an entertaining one, though, and fans will be hoping for more of the same as the Rocky Mountain rivals square off again.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Lalo Fernandez, Real Monarchs SLC – The Monarchs goalkeeper came up with big saves throughout the game, but none bigger than his diving stop of Miguel Gonzalez early in the second half, and a shutout-preserving stop on JJ Greer in the final minute.

Upcoming Games:

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Real Monarchs SLC – June 29, 9 p.m. ET, Switchbacks Stadium

Real Monarchs SLC at Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – June 29, 9 p.m. ET, Switchbacks Stadium