SANDY, UT\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) fell to Real Monarchs on a late goal at America First Field on Saturday.<\/p>\n
In the 89th minute, a corner kick deflected to oncoming Monarchs striker Jesus Barea, who fired in the winner.<\/p>\n
The match started on a down note for the Blue and White. Sahil Deo was clipped on a chaotic play. The 18-year-old was stretchered off.<\/p>\n
Whitecaps FC 2 manager Rich Fagan tapped Charlie Rogers to sub in for his professional debut. Rogers, from Delta, BC, is a product of the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy.<\/p>\n
On the eve of the half-hour, WFC2 lit up the scoreboard. In the attacking third, forward Kevin Podgorni made the most of a turnover, as he spotted striker Daniel Ittycheria with a diagonal cross.<\/p>\n
Ittycheria \u2013 who scored a brace earlier this week \u2013 drew the back line to him before a through ball to Yeider Zuluaga. The 2026 MLS SuperDraft pick then drilled low to the far post past Monarchs \u2019keeper Max Kerkvliet for 1-0.<\/p>\n
Moments later, attacking midfielder Yuma Tsuji continued to show his danger from distance, after scoring a Goal of the Year contender on Tuesday. The Canadian youth international found open space to boot a 30-yard laser that Kerkvliet barely steered over the crossbar.<\/p>\n
Real Monarchs drew level off a Luis Rivera corner kick \u2013 a Ewald header from in close deadlocked the match at the half.<\/p>\n
WFC2 came two feet from glory in the second half \u2013 a trio of passes led sub Marko Popovi\u0107 to lay off for a wide open Ittycheria. Near the penalty spot, the striker beat Kerkvliet \u2013 but the powerful drive hit the woodwork.<\/p>\n
Then, late on, Barea struck to break the young Caps’ hearts.<\/p>\n
Next up, Whitecaps FC 2 come home to Swangard Stadium to lace up against Austin FC II on Wednesday, July 22 at 6 p.m. PT.\u00a0<\/p>\n