USL Sacramento Republic FC

Know Your Opponent: Real Monarchs

Published on April 21, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release


As the Indomitable Club prepares for its 2021 USL Championship campaign, the last team for Mark Briggs' men to take on in an exhibition match is Real Monarchs SLC this coming Saturday in Sacramento.

Before the boys in Old Glory Red take on the team that took the 2019 USL Championship Cup, here's all supporters need to know about Monarchs.

Offseason Acquisitions

Real Monarchs continue to make roster moves heading into the 2021 season and recently signed forward and 2021 MLS SuperDraft pick Aris Briggs on April 9. The 61st overall selection isn't the only striker the club acquired this offseason, after acquiring Colombian forward Juan Vidal from CF Barranqilla of the Colombian Categoria Premera B and New Zealander Max Mata from Grasshopper in Switzerland's second tier.

The club also signed Colombian defender Kevin Saucedo from Millonarios FC who made several appearances with the Colombian U20 team.

Fellow Colombian midfielder Brayan Gomez and Ecuadorian midfielder Josimar Quintero - who was once a product within Barcelona and Chelsea's youth system - also opted to join Real Monarchs this offseason.

Monarchs also managed to lure a number of versatile players with USL experience under their belts including forward/midfielder Malik Johnson who scored five goals in 33 appearances recently with Tampa Bay Rowdies and defender Kyle Adams who has logged over 60 league matches with Rio Grande Valley FC.

Monarchs Last Season

The Salt Lake City club was not able to replicate its sensational season from 2019 when Monarchs marched through the Western Conference playoffs and into the Cup Final - ultimately lifting the trophy after downing Louisville City FC, 3-1.

In 2020, Monarchs won just three of 16 matches and scored the third-fewest goals in the league with 14. However, even though the Utah club lost eleven games, only three times did the team lose by two goals or more - meaning Monarchs kept it close often and easily could have stolen a few more points last campaign.

Despite struggling to score goals themselves, the side posted an impressive defense last year - allowing the 10th fewest goals in the conference with 25.

Head-to-Head vs. SRFC

When Sacramento clashes with the club from Salt Lake City, Monarchs has the advantage in the all-time series with six wins from 14 encounters.

Republic FC has only managed to beat Monarchs three times while playing to a draw in five fixtures.

The last time SRFC beat Monarchs was an October 2017 playoff meeting with Republic FC leaving Utah with a win after penalty kicks. Sacramento was victorious in the shootout, 3-1, after the two sides played to a 1-1 result.

Last Time They Met

In 2020, both sides clashed in preseason friendly with Monarchs fielding seven players listed at the time on Real Salt Lakes' Major League Soccer roster.

Republic FC held its own against a strong side and overcame a two-goal deficit to down the defending league champs in Sacramento on February 29, 3-2.

"I thought you saw two different teams in the first and second half, and it's a credit to them that we got a reaction," Republic FC Head Coach Mark Briggs told reporters after the 2020 match. "I think in the second half, that showed the team that we are and the team we are going to be. It was pleasing to see there was a reaction at halftime."

Don't miss a minute of the action this season. Join our Republic and become an Indomitable Member today! Visit SacRepublicFC.com/becomeamember for more information about how you can join us for the 2021 USL Championship season, Join us for another unforgettable year and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access, benefits, and more.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 21, 2021


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