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Monarchs Face Surging 1868 FC in Postseason Opener

By USLSoccer.com Staff , 10/16/18, 2:08PM EDT

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Reno brings seven-game undefeated streak to test Real’s stellar home record


Real Monarchs SLC took a 2-1 win when it hosted Reno 1868 FC this season, but Reno is on a seven-game undefeated streak entering the playoffs. | Photo courtesy Real Monarchs SLC

HERRIMAN, Utah – Two teams making their second consecutive appearance in the USL Cup Playoffs square off on Saturday afternoon in the Western Conference Quarterfinals as No. 4-seed Real Monarchs SLC hosts No. 5-seed Reno 1868 FC at Zions Bank Stadium. #SLCvRNO kicks off at 5 p.m. ET and can be watched live on ESPN+ in the United States and YouTube internationally, and followed live via the USL Match Center.

@RealMonarchs will be hoping for better fortune in their second visit to the postseason after being eliminated in a penalty shootout a season ago in the Western Conference Quarterfinals, a loss that brought an end to a season that had seen the side win the 2017 USL Regular Season Championship. Real had seen a dip in form take it out of the running for a top-three finish this season late this season, but back-to-back victories in the final two games of the season ensured a home outing, which could prove vital to the side’s chances.

@Reno1868FC also suffered disappointment at home in last year’s postseason as its record-setting first season came to an end in a defeat to OKC Energy FC. This season, however, 1868 FC is on a roll going into the playoffs having gone seven games undefeated to wrap up the year. Reno took a 3-1 victory in its last outing of the season against Western Conference No. 1-seed Orange County SC as Antoine Hoppenot scored a pair of goals, but will be looking to avoid a repeat performance of its last trip to Zions Bank Stadium on Saturday as the Monarchs earned a 2-1 win when the sides met most recently on August 8.

Opta Says

13 – Real Monarchs SLC went 13-2-2 at home in the regular season, the most victories on home turf of any side in the league.

179 – Reno 1868 FC recorded 179 shots on goal in the regular season, fifth-most in the USL, as Brian Brown ended with 16 goals on 34 shots on target.

FiveThirtyEight.com Match Predictor: Real Monarchs SLC 45%, Reno 1868 FC 55%

Projected Lineups

Real Monarchs SLC – GK: Andrew Putna; D: Andrew Brody, Taylor Peay, Kalen Ryden, James Moberg; DM: Justin Portillo, Charlie Adams; AM: Maikel Chang, Sebastian Velasquez, Masta Kacher; F: Chandler Hoffman

Reno 1868 FC – GK: Matt Bersano; D: Brent Richards, Zach Carroll, Brenton Griffiths, Duke Lacroix; M: Jerry van Ewijk, Seth Casiple, Guy Abend; AM: Antoine Hoppenot; F: Brian Brown, Mo Thiaw

Discipline

Real Monarchs – None

Reno – None

Officials
REF:
Ismir Pekmic
AR1: John Krill
AR2: Shane Kennard
4TH: Chris Greer

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