Sports stats



USL Real Monarchs

Real Monarchs Opens Title Defense Saturday at San Antonio FC

March 6, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Real Monarchs News Release


HERRIMAN, Utah - Real Monarchs SLC is set to open its title-defense and the 2020 USL Championship regular season on Saturday, March 7, when it travels to San Antonio FC. Kickoff from Toyota Field is set for 6:30p MT and can be seen LIVE on ESPN+ and locally on the KSL TV app.

The Monarchs enter the 2020 season on the back of the club's most historic season that culminated with a 3-1 victory over then two-time defending USL Championship title holders Louisville City FC in the USL Championship Final, seeing the club earn its first-ever championship. Led by Jack Blake and Noah Powder, the Monarchs return nine of its players from the 2019 title-winning roster and have added USL League One standouts Arturo Rodriguez, Joe Gallardo and Chris Bermudez to an already potent attack.

Head Coach Jamison Olave enters his first full season at the helm of the club as the permanent head coach after two successful stints as the interim head coach of the group. Olave - together with returning Assistant Coach Matt Glaeser - will look to replicate last season's success during the club's sixth season in the Championship.

The Monarchs seek the club's first victory in San Antonio since 2016. In last season's match between the two sides at Toyota Field, SAFC claimed the 3-1 victory in July after the Monarchs earned a 3-2 comeback victory at Zions Bank Stadium in April. Saturday's match-up between Real Monarchs SLC and San Antonio will be the eight all-time meeting between the two sides.

How to Follow Real Monarchs SLC @ San Antonio FC - Sat., March 7, 2020

- Coverage Begins: 6:30 p.m. MT

- Local TV: N/A

- Digital Streaming: ESPN+ / KSL TV app

- English Radio: N/A

- Spanish Radio: N/A

- Social Media: @RealMonarchs & #SAvSLC on Twitter

For 2020, the Monarchs return a familiar core of players from the 2019 season as defenders James Moberg and Noah Powder lead the backline of one of the league's most elite teams. Midfielders Jack Blake and World Cup veteran Ricardo Avila return carrying with them a slew of experience into 2020.

New faces in the squad include players with ample USL League One experience including the 2019 League One MVP Arturo Rodriguez and standouts Joe Gallardoand Chris Bermudez. RSL Academy products Jordan Pena, Damian German and Steve Jasso also exemplify the growth pipeline between the Academy and the professional ranks for the 2020 season, each returning for their second season in a Monarchs jersey. The Monarchs also welcome rookie goalkeeper Jimmy Slayton to the roster for 2020.

Real Monarchs SLC season and single game tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by going to RealMonarchs.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX.

Check out the Real Monarchs Statistics

• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...

United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 6, 2020


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central