Real Monarchs SLC vs Oklahoma City Energy FC
October 3, 2018; Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah
7:00 p.m. MT; RealMonarchs.com
Real Monarchs SLC (17-12-3, 54 points); Oklahoma City Energy FC (12-14-6, 42 points)
Player to Watch – Midfielder Jose Barril is an engine in the Oklahoma City midfield. Barril has been Oklahoma’s leading playmaker, utilizing effective and creative passing creating 56 key chances and earning 9 assists. His dangerous long ball sets Energy FC up for quick transitions into the attacking third. The 26-year-old Spanish center midfielder was named to the USL All-League Second Team in 2016 and had spent his youth in Real Madrid Academy and will be key to watch on Wednesday.
History – The upcoming match on Wednesday will be the seventh contest between Real Monarchs and OKC Energy FC. The last meeting came in mid-August when OKC hosted the Monarchs at Taft Stadium, where the hosts extended its all-time series lead to a record of 4-2-0 after nixing a Monarchs comeback in a 3-2 result. The Monarchs hold an advantage on Utah soil however, as it is undefeated against OKC Energy FC at home with a 2-0-0 record.
Last Five – OKC Energy FC have been on an average run of form in the recent weeks, coming away with a total of seven points in a record of 2-2-1. With two games left in its 2018 regular season, OKC sits in the 10th spot with 42 points on the Western Conference, seven points shy of the playoff line. Mathematically eliminated from a playoff appearance, OKC Energy is looking to finish the season strong while playing for pride against a Monarchs side determined to find its winning form before taking on the playoff race.
