USL Game Report

Saturday, September 12, 2015

SANDY, Utah - Real Monarchs SLC ended its inaugural season on a high note as Max Rauhofer's goal earned the hosts a 1-0 win against Arizona United SC in front of 7,705 fans at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday night. The loss officially eliminated Arizona from the USL Playoffs with two matches remaining in the season.

The Monarchs (7-13-8, 29pts) wasted little time in getting on the board. Real’s Emery Welshman received the ball on the left side of the penalty area, and got around and behind his defender. He then sent a low cross to the near post toward a streaking Rauhofer, who deflected the pass inside the back-right post to make it 1-0 Monarchs in the 11th minute.

United (10-15-1, 31pts) had its best chances to score in the second half. In the 66th minute, midfielder Jose Cuevas hit forward Schillo Tshuma on the run down the right flank. Tshuma unleashed a shot but it hit the side netting. Then in the 71st minute, off a counterattack, forward George Malki received a long pass and whipped a shot toward the right post from just inside the penalty area, but he too hit the side of the net.

For the season series, United went 1-2-0 against the Monarchs. Real’s win was the first win in the series for the home team. The Monarchs had dropped the first meeting in Utah. United lost last week in Scottsdale.

Arizona returns to action on Wednesday, September 16, for its final home match of the season at Scottsdale Stadium. The match will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT as United hosts OKC Energy FC. Tickets can be purchased at ArizonaUnited.com.