Match Preview: NYRB II to Meet Real Monarchs SLC for First Time

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HARRISON, N.J. (September 25, 2021) – New York Red Bulls II (5-16-4, 19 points) will travel to face Real Monarchs SLC (4-16-4, 16 points) on Sunday, September 26. Kickoff from Zions Bank Stadium is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.

New York will look to build momentum following its 3-2 victory against the Charleston Battery on Wednesday, September 22. The club used goals from forward Serge Ngoma and midfielder Jake LaCava to jump out to a 2-0 advantage after 20 minutes. Midfielder Jeremy Rafanello’s goal in the 47th minute proved to be the difference-maker as the club held on for a 3-2 win.

Rafanello has factored into a team-high 36 percent of New York’s goals this season (five goals, six assists). 

Sunday’s match will mark the first-ever meeting between New York and Real Monarchs SLC. New York has played one other match against a Mountain Division opponent this season as it fell 2-1 to San Antonio FC on Wednesday, September 15.

Real Monarchs SLC are led by goalkeeper Jeffrey Dewsnup, who has tallied 51 saves in 15 starts, which is tied for 12th in the USL Championship.

New York currently sits in seventh place of the Atlantic Division, while Real Monarchs SLC rank seventh in the Mountain Division. They fell in their last match 2-1 to New Mexico United on Saturday, September 18. 

Following Sunday’s match, New York will return home to finish out their September slate against Loudoun United FC on Thursday, September 30. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, with coverage available on ESPN+.