Real Monarchs captain Griffin Dillon has captured the MLS NEXT Pro Goal of Matchweek 24 award, earning the honor for his half-volley strike against MNUFC2.
Dillon’s goal took place in the 35th minute with Real Monarchs already ahead 2-1. After a cleared corner kick bounced in his direction, the 22-year-old midfielder charged towards the ball and unleashed a powerful low shot past MNUFC2’s goalkeeper Alec Smir to give his team a 2-goal lead.
Real Monarchs went on to secure a 3-2 home victory, a result that moved them into a tie for fifth place in the Western Conference standings.
Also nominated for the award were Sydney Wathuta (Colorado Rapids 2), Dylan Vanney (Ventura County FC), and Kyle Linhares (Timbers2).
Dillon’s time with Real Monarchs began back to 2021, where he made seven apperances before heading to the University of Maryland later that year. After two seasons with the Terrapins, he returned to the Monarchs squad in 2023. Since then, he has made 65 MLS NEXT Pro appearances, recording five goals and seven assists.
Next up, Real Monarchs face one of the league’s hottest teams in The Town FC, who enter the match riding a seven-game winning streak, on August 31 at Zion Banks Stadium.
You can catch all the MLS NEXT Pro action on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
