Real Monarchs and Minnesota United II shared a goalless 120 minutes at Zions Bank Stadium on Wednesday, before the hosts emerged victorious in a penalty shootout. The MLS Next Pro Group Stage encounter finished 0:0 after extra time, with the tie decided from the spot. Real Monarchs converted four penalties to Minnesota United II's three, securing a narrow victory in front of the home crowd.
The match itself offered little incident in terms of chances created. Both sides saw their attack figures register at zero, and possession settled at an even 50-50 split. Yellow cards came at either end, J. Clarkson receiving the first in the 54th minute, followed by I. Murphy in stoppage time. Substitutions began in earnest around the hour mark, with both managers turning to their benches as the game reached its climax.
By then, the drama had shifted to the penalty area. N. Silva and L. Hille both scored their spot-kicks to open proceedings. R. Mesalles missed for Minnesota United II, but J. Clarkson responded with a conversion. H. Bwana and J. Friedman followed with goals, then L. Djiro and H. Cruz both found the net. A final penalty was missed, and Real Monarchs had seen it out.
The statistics painted a picture of a game where neither side could find a foothold. Zero attacks recorded for both teams suggests a contest where chances were at a premium. To be fair, the shootout outcome tells only part of the story — the regular 90 minutes produced a stalemate that neither side could break.
For Real Monarchs, the result lifts them to six points from two matches in the group stage. They sit sixth in the table with 29 points from 26 games, though this was a fresh start for their Group Stage campaign. Minnesota United II remain fourth with 40 points from 26 matches, and this victory keeps them in contention. The hosts had lost four of their last five before this draw, while the visitors came into the game with better recent form, including a 5:1 win over Whitecaps II.
