PORTLAND, Oregon (Saturday, March 25, 2017) – Real Monarchs began the 2017 campaign in fine fashion with a 2-1 win on the road against Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday. In a cagey opener, MF Nick Besler’s second-half goal proved to be the difference, earning Mike Petke his first win as Head Coach for the USL club.
The season started with the third-year club humming offensively as MF Chase Minter nearly opened the scoring in the 10th minute. MF Sebastian Velasquez spotted the winger open near the penalty spot, and even though the cross took a deflection, Minter redirected it on frame.