HERRIMAN, UT (September 26, 2021) – New York Red Bulls II (5-16-5, 20 points) and Real Monarchs SLC (4-16-5, 17 points) played to a scoreless draw Sunday night at Zions Bank Stadium.
Goalkeeper AJ Marcucci recorded multiple key saves in the first half, including in the 34th minute, as Real Monarchs threaded a pass into the box to create a one-on-one opportunity. Late in the half, defender Mandela Egbo had a penalty kick stopped by the home side following a hand ball in the box.
New York created some opportunities in the second half, but the Real Monarchs defense stood tall each time. Marcucci was tested again in the 87th minute but came up with a save falling to his left to preserve the clean sheet.
The draw marked the second clean sheet of the season for New York (September 4) and the first for Marcucci. He recorded six saves for the second time in his last three matches, one off his season-high of seven on July 2.
Defender Curtis Ofori made his first professional start in the match, playing a season-high 54 minutes.
New York will return home to face Loudoun United FC on Thursday, September 30. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.
