Real Monarchs SLC 0 vs Reno 1868 FC 1
October 20, 2018; Herriman, Utah; Zions Bank Stadium
Real Monarchs SLC (Western Conference Quarterfinal); Reno 1868 FC (Western Conference Semifinal)
Man of the Match: Midfielder Masta Kacher forced Reno goalkeeper Matt Bersano into a multitude of impressive saves as he looked to give the Monarchs the go ahead goal, including one towards the near post which Bersano dove to punch away early in the second half. Teaming up with the enticing footwork of Sebastian Velasquez, Kacher opened up the space to lead the Monarchs with six shots taken, three of which looked to be certain go-ahead goals.
Telling Stat: 17. In a tense back and forth match, Real Monarchs came out swinging and pushing in the Reno defensive half with 17 shots towards goal. In the second half, Olave’s team nearly doubled both shots taken and possession as it looked to put the game to sleep but was just unable to find the back of the net before the final whistle.
What You Missed: Real Monarchs and Reno 1868 FC played a tight end-to-end match in the quarterfinal match up of the USL Cup. Midfielders Sebastian Velasquez and Justin Portillo commanded the center of the pitch, setting up openings for the Monarchs to take shots towards goal that ended just wide or into the hands of Matt Bersano. Meanwhile, the Monarchs backline did well to keep the game close by shutting out the Reno attack, but a headed effort slipped by to end the game. FW Chandler Hoffman played his final match in a Monarchs jersey, as he moves to his hometown to play for Birmingham Legion FC in the 2019 season.
So What: The 2018 season has come to a close for the Real Monarchs, as the late goal in the dying seconds forced the Utah side to bow out of the USL Cup Playoffs. With the year now in the books, Real Monarchs set its eyes towards building in the off season while moving forward into 2019.
