Real Monarchs SLC vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
September 29, 2018; Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah
7:00 p.m. MT; RealMonarchs.com
Real Monarchs SLC (17-11-3, 54 points); Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (10-16-5, 35 points)
Player to Watch – Defender Taylor Hunter is the thorn in the side of the opposing attackers for the Switchbacks FC defense. Hunter leads the team in tackles with 73, 52 of which he has won and his 80 interceptions, the 25-year-old Colorado native has proven he is unafraid to throw himself in the way to disrupt the attack. Paired with his fellow defenders Hunter has helped shape the Colorado defense into one of the tightest in the West as one of the lowest conceding teams.
History – Switchbacks FC have control of the all-time series over Real Monarchs with a record of 6-4-1. These two teams last faced each other only a month ago, where the Monarchs suffered a 1-0 loss, after Colorado rifled in a late game winner. The Monarchs maintain an edge over Switchbacks FC at home however, holding a record of 3-1-1 on Utah soil. With the postseason in sight, Monarchs are aiming to use its homefield advantage to turn momentum in its favor on Saturday night.
Last Five – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC has hit a wall as of late, coming away with a total of four points in the last five games. The last victory came against the Monarchs in a late August bout a month ago. Now sitting in the 13th position on the Western Conference table, with 35 points, the Switchbacks have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention and will be playing for pride as well as next season against a Monarchs team fighting to regain form ahead of the USL Cup race.
