Saint Louis City II defeated Real Monarchs 3:0 in their MLS Next Pro Group Stage fixture on Saturday evening. The hosts took all three points at home, extending their advantage in the table over their opponents. The result moves the visitors further adrift in sixth place while the hosts remain third after 26 matches.
The opening goal came in the 51st minute through Z. Zengue, who finished a well-worked move. To be fair, Saint Louis had been building pressure throughout the first half, and the breakthrough felt inevitable once they found their rhythm. The visitors were left exposed at the back, unable to deal with the sustained attacking threat.
A. De Gannes doubled the lead in the 64th minute, capitalising on a defensive error from the away side. The visitors were dominant in the air from set plays but struggled to contain the fluid movement in open play. Saint Louis kept knocking on the door, and eventually the second goal arrived with some authority.
The statistics tell a straightforward story: 53 per cent possession for the hosts, 11 shots to seven, with five on target compared to just two. By then the match was effectively decided. Saint Louis registered 79 attacks against 64 for the visitors, and the quality of chance creation separated the two sides completely.
R. Lynch added the third goal in the 86th minute, ending a barren spell for the forward. The visitors had already seen it out in terms of ambition, but the hosts showed no intention of letting up. Five yellow cards were shown in total, with the away side taking four of them as frustration mounted.
The result leaves Saint Louis City II on 43 points from 26 games, still unbeaten in draws but with room to improve consistency. Real Monarchs remain on 29 points from 25 matches, eight points behind the hosts with a game in hand. The gap is significant, and the away side will need to find another gear if they want to climb.