In an intense MLS NEXT Pro shootout on Sunday, March 1, 2026, the Real Monarchs defeated North Texas SC 4-3 after a 2-2 draw in regulation at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah. This victory marked a strong start to the Monarchs’ 2026 season, earning them an extra point in the Western Conference standings.
Early Aggression Sets the Stage in a Hard-Fought Match
The Monarchs began the match aggressively, with Jesús Barea testing the North Texas goalkeeper early in the first minute. The game quickly established a physical tempo, with both teams creating several scoring opportunities throughout the opening half. Goalkeeper Max Kerkvliet was instrumental in keeping the game scoreless early, making a crucial save in the 24th minute. Barea remained a constant threat, firing another shot on goal in the 29th minute, while newcomer Michael Wentzel made a notable impact in his team debut, contributing to the Monarchs’ offensive pressure.
North Texas Takes the Lead Before Halftime
North Texas SC broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Edouard Nys surged down the field and calmly placed the ball in the corner, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage. Kerkvliet’s goalkeeping was again pivotal as he denied further damage before halftime with a key save in the 43rd minute, maintaining the slender lead for North Texas.
Monarchs Bounce Back Strong in the Second Half
Coming out of the break with renewed determination, the Monarchs pushed hard for an equalizer. Kerkvliet stayed sharp, making vital saves at the 51st and 64th minutes to keep his team in contention. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when, following a slick passing sequence, Barea unleashed a long-range shot from the left side that found the right corner, leveling the score at 1-1 and resetting the contest.
Late Drama Leads to Equalizer and Shootout
The intensity escalated as both sides fought for the lead. North Texas reclaimed the advantage in the 83rd minute through Nick Simmonds, who expertly finished from the right side following a left-wing assist by Daniel Bara. With the clock winding down, the Monarchs refused to fold. In stoppage time, they capitalized on a well-executed free kick. Felix Ewald headed Antonio Riquelme’s delivery into the post, where the rebound fell to Linkeker Rodrigues, who tapped it in to tie the game at 2-2, forcing the shootout.
Penalty Shootout Decides the Contest
The penalty shootout featured back-and-forth conversions until Kerkvliet made a crucial second save, which secured the Monarchs’ 4-3 shootout triumph. His performance between the posts was a decisive factor in gaining the extra point at home.
Match Scoring Breakdown
North Texas SC – Edouard Nys opened scoring at 40’ with a composed finish down the left side.
Real Monarchs – Jesús Barea equalized at 55’ with a precise shot from distance on the left flank.
North Texas SC – Nick Simmonds regained the lead at 83’, scoring from the right side assisted by Daniel Bara.
Real Monarchs – Linkeker Rodrigues tied the match at 89’ by converting a free kick rebound after Felix Ewald’s header.
Penalty Shootout Details
North Texas SC had Daniel Baran and Edouard Nys’s attempts saved, while Nick Simmonds, Favour Aroyameh, and Marion Luccin successfully converted penalties. For the Monarchs, Marcos Zambrano, Giovanni Calderon, Lineker Rodriguez, and Jesús Barea scored, with Kerkvliet’s saves proving decisive.
Starting Lineups and Game Statistics
Real Monarchs (5-3-2): Max Kerkvliet; Ruben Mesalles, Luis Rivera (subbed by Felix Ewald 67’), Giovanni Calderon (captain), Michael Wentzel (replaced by Wes Charpie 45’), Gio Villa; Omar Marquez (Marcos Zambrano 81’), Griffin Dillon (Izzy Amparo 78’), Owen Anderson (Antonio Riquelme 67’); Jesús Barea, Linkeker Rodriguez. Unused subs: Tyler Wolff, Lionel Djiro, Liam O’Gara, Trace Alphin.
North Texas SC (4-3-3): Eryk Dymora; Joshua Torquato, Jonah Biggar, Slade Starnes (captain), Jonah Gibson; Timothy Ospina (Favour Aroyameh 54’), Jaidyn Contreras, Diego Garcia (Marion Luccin 90’); Nathaniel James (Daniel Baran 81’), Edouard Nys, Nick Simmonds. Unused subs: Samuel Seden, Aiden Jordan, Wyatt Easterly, Christopher Salazar.
Key Match Stats: Shots – 22 (Monarchs) vs. 16 (North Texas), Shots on goal – 6 to 8, Saves – 6 to 4, Corner kicks – 3 vs. 2, Fouls – 15 each.
Disciplinary Actions Affecting Both Teams
Both teams faced several cautions during the match. For the Monarchs, Michael Wentzel received a yellow card in the 38th minute, followed by Omar Marquez at 59’, Gio Villa at 82’, and Giovanni Calderon at stoppage time (90+3′). North Texas SC’s Edouard Nys was booked late in the 86th minute.
Impact and Outlook for the Monarchs After Shootout Triumph
This win sets an encouraging tone for Real Monarchs at the start of their 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign, highlighted by the standout performances of Max Kerkvliet and Jesús Barea. The shootout victory provides the Monarchs with momentum and confidence as they continue their pursuit of higher placement in the competitive Western Conference. With key contributors like Antonio Riquelme, Felix Ewald, and Lineker Rodriguez stepping up in crucial moments, the team looks poised to build on this tense but rewarding opening match at home.
