Real Monarchs SLC 1 at Fresno FC 0
October 13, 2018; Fresno, California; Chukchansi Park
Real Monarchs SLC (19-12-3, 60 points); Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (9-13-12, 39 points)
Man of the Match: Making his second straight start and appearance for Real Monarchs, defender Stanley Okumu was a vital thorn in the side in the Fresno front line. Playing as an intrusive force on the Monarchs defense, Okumu was quick to get in the way to prevent any damage to the Monarchs goal, making 18 clearances and 7 interceptions throughout the night.
Telling Stat: 39. The Real Monarchs backline made a combined total of 39 clearances against the Foxes attack. The collective work of the Monarchs defense kept Fresno FC off the scoreboard, earning the clean sheet and the critical three points to close out the 2018 regular season.
What You Missed: In the third match up of the season between Real Monarchs and Fresno FC, the Monarchs once again took the three points courtesy of a 1-0 scoreline. The game-winning goal came from MF Charlie Adams, who lasered a shot from 35-yards out that found the back of the net through traffic in the penalty area. GK Andrew Putna made six massive saves to keep the clean sheet while MF Justin Portillo nearly found the insurance goal but was denied by the woodwork. The combined effort from Real Monarchs put an end to the road skid, picking up the first win away from home since June 16.
So What: Thanks to the crucial victory in California, Real Monarchs finish the 2018 Regular Season with 60 points, a single point over Reno 1868 FC. Having locked in the 4th spot on the Western Conference table, the Monarchs earned the right to host its first match in the playoffs. Now with undivided attention on the 2018 USL Cup, Real Monarchs return home to Zions Bank Stadium to host Reno 1868 FC to begin the post-season. Kickoff from Zions Bank Stadium is set for 3:00 p.m. MT on Saturday, October 20. Visit RealMonarchs.com and use promo code PLAYOFFS to pick up four tickets plus four Monarchs mugs for just $30 and support Real Monarchs to begin the race for the USL Cup.
