MLS NEXT Pro Invitational : Abu, Anjorin on parade for Chelsea in historic match v RM

Chelsea's development squad split points with MLS Next Pro side Real Monarchs in their opening match of the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah on Wednesday morning.

The match marked the first-ever international match in MLS NEXT Pro history and the first of the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational, according to the official website of the American third tier side.

Faustino Anjorin, who has linked up with the development squad for the tournament, was named in the starting lineup and played the whole of the first half.

Anglo-German-Nigerian defender Derrick Abu replaced Harvey Vale at the interval and was cautioned in the 47th minute.

Dion Rankine gave Chelsea a dream start, with the midfielder racing past two Real Monarchs players before slotting the ball home from a tight angle but South African star Tyrone Mondi restored parity with a right footed shot into the top corner in the 32nd minute.

Ben Elliot scored a wonderful solo goal to make it 2-1 in the 65th minute but Fonseca brought the game level from the spot six minutes later to take the game to a penalty shootout, which was won 5-4 by Real Monarchs.

Chelsea will take on Toronto II at the Zions Bank Stadium (Herriman, Utah) in their next game.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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