by Carlos Mariscal
LAFC2 battled to a 1-1 draw against Real Monarchs on Wednesday afternoon at America First Field in Sandy, Utah.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 7th minute when LAFC2's back line inadvertently deflected a corner kick into their own net.
Matt Evans answered for the Black & Gold in the 43rd minute, drilling a left-footed strike from outside the box to level the score, his third goal in the last two matches and fourth of the season.
With neither side able to break the deadlock in the second half, the match went to a penalty shootout. LAFC2 edged out Real Monarchs 7-6 to claim the extra point under MLS NEXT Pro rules.
The Black & Gold improves to 2W-1L-2D (9 points), and next takes on The Town FC at St. Mary’s College on Sunday, April 27. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. PT.
