Real Monarchs Signs New Zealand Striker Max Mata

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Monarchs has added its first striker to the 2021 roster following the announcement that Max Mata has committed to play under Jamison Olave.

Mata’s signing is pending league and federation approval, as well as the approval of a p-1 visa. The terms of the signing have not been disclosed.

Now this is going to be fun! 👏

Welcome Max, the Monarchs' first-ever Kiwi, to Utah!

⚽️: https://t.co/H65M8lSOMI pic.twitter.com/Mt0b5SjLpL

— Real Monarchs (@RealMonarchs) December 18, 2020

Mata, 20, joins the Monarchs following a year-long stint in Zurich, Switzerland. Previously, he began his professional career by playing in New Zealand.

“Max is a dynamic young attacking player, capable of scoring with both feet and in the air. He joins the Monarchs not only as an accomplished and competent professional but also at a time in his career with tremendous capacity for future development. We are excited to see his progression under the tutelage of our Club staff,” Assistant General Manager Tony Beltran said.

Mata has spent most of his career competing with the New Zealand Youth National Teams and just last year made his debut with the senior team on November 17, 2019 against Lithuania.

At the U-20 level, Mata competed in both the U-20 OFC Championship and the 2019 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Poland. Between the two competitions, he tallied five goals in six matches and was awarded the Golden Boot for his offensive production in the OFC Championship. In 2017, Mata played with New Zealand’s U-17 side where he captained the team to victory in the U-17 OFC Championship and an appearance in the U-17 FIFA World Cup.

Mata is the first-ever signing from New Zealand for the Monarchs.