Real Monarchs SLC vs Reno 1868 FC
October 20, 2018; Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah
3:00 p.m. MT; RealMonarchs.com
Real Monarchs SLC (Number Four Seed); Reno 1868 FC (Number Five Seed)
Player to Watch – Defender Brenton Griffiths has been a strong piece in the hardworking backline of Reno 1868 FC. The 27-year-old Jamaican fullback has made 23 clearances and 13 interceptions over his last four games, playing a pivotal roll in keeping the clean sheets, conceding only a single goal in the last four. In the last outing, Griffiths tallied his first goal of the season with a headed effort off of a corner to solidify his strong run of form on the pitch for the Nevada side.
History – Real Monarchs and Reno 1868 met twice throughout the 2018 season, evenly splitting the six points as each team picked up the victories at their home stadiums. The last match came in early August at Zions Bank Stadium where Real Monarchs walked away 2-1 victors in a game that extended the Monarchs hold on the all-time series to 4-1-0. Reno 1868 FC has yet to triumph over the Monarchs on Utah soil, a point the Monarchs hope to drive home Saturday afternoon.
Last Five – Reno 1868 FC ended its regular season on a strong run of form, running undefeated in its last five games with a record of 4-0-1. The lone blip in its last five came against Phoenix Rising FC, where Reno held on for a scoreless tie before ending the season on a high note with a 3-1 victory over Orange County SC. Now moving into the playoffs, Reno will look to keep its current form going against a Monarchs team that has regained its stride after two consecutive wins.
