MNUFC2 cruised to a 3-0 opening night victory over Real Monarchs on Friday, and the road performance from Cameron Knowles’ squad helped them earn MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Opening Matchday honors.
Diogo Pacheco scored twice for MNUFC2, while 18-year-old Leo Conneh registered one goal and one assist for the Western Conference club. The result marked MNUFC’s third-straight victory over Real Monarchs, dating back to the 2022 inaugural campaign.
Pacheco’s opening goal came in the 34th minute for MNUFC2, as he picked up a pass in stride before drilling home his first of the night.
Leo Conneh doubled MNUFC2’s lead before halftime as the academy standout raced in the middle of the box before tapping Loïc Mesanvi’s cross from the right wing.
MNUFC2 would add its third and final goal in the 81st minute as Pacheco cut onto his left foot before unleashing a low drive into the bottom-left corner. It was the perfect finish for Pacheco and MNUFC2, who topped Tuesday's MLS NEXT Pro Opening Matchday Power Rankings.
19-year-old goalkeeper Fred Emmings made three saves to register his first clean sheet of the season. MNUFC2 remains on the road for Matchday 2, facing off with St Louis CITY2 at CITYPark on April 2.
