MLS Next Pro has no ties - well, they have ties but they then go to PKs to determine who gets 2 points, and who none (no sharing of the points). Last week Monarchs scored a tying goal in stoppage while playing 9 v 11, then won the shootout.
By my count, there were 8 guys with MLS/HG contracts that played in the game yesterday. They still couldn't win at home. It's a one-off, but maybe a sign that those guys shouldn't be getting MLS minutes? https://www.rsl.com/monarchs/news/real-monarchs-slump-to-narrow-lafc-shootout-defeat
Sounds like Vera could be making an appearance this weekend after playing for the Monarchs. https://www.rsl.com/news/real-monar...a-late-penalty-in-rocky-mountain-cup-showdown I still don't understand how an infusion of first team talent doesn't result in a win*. *I do, it just means many of those guys aren't good enough for the first team (and that's crazy, sad, depressing, etc.)
I’ve struggled through monarch games. They’re glorified friendlies when first team players are out there. Rarely, if ever, do you see a player actually giving anything above 80% if they’re on a first team contract. Which isn’t entirely wrong, it just makes the game itself really hard to enjoy
A pretty strong starting 11 got beat this weekend. Not sure what to make of that. https://www.rsl.com/monarchs/news/real-monarchs-fall-to-western-conference-leaders-st-louis-city-2
That's not good. Not bad either probably in the grand scheme of things but you would definitely expect more from that side.
Moreso is that STL isn't good but their 3rd division team is (best in West). Shouldn't there be more of a talent gap?
That's an all-first team contract lineup save for Ruben Mesalles, and Tommy Silva came in for him eventually.
It matters all the way down to 4 years old rec leagues in the USA. It’s a big barrier to player skill development and soccer IQ.
Monarchs have 3 games before RSL plays again. They are tied for 5th and are 7 points out of 2nd. It'll be (somewhat) interesting to see how many RSL bench players (even starters/key subs?) play in those games to stay fresh. They have at least 3 guys that should be on the RSL roster next year, Rocio, Zambrano and Hezarkhani.
Roster decisions. https://www.rsl.com/monarchs/news/real-monarchs-announce-2026-mls-next-pro-roster-decisions
I might be wrong in my recollection, but that is a bummer about Bonilla. I thought I remember the team being pretty excited about him, but he was out injured all of 2025. At 24/25, that might be the end of the road for him.
That's my memory. Pretty sure that's 2 straight years of injuries. He was apparently one of the best players in college before he was drafted. He was supposed to be the next RB for RSL.