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USL United Soccer League Championship

Real Monarchs SLC Hosts Western Conference Leaders Orange County SC

May 3, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release


HERRIMAN, Utah - Real Monarchs SLC (4-1-1, 13 points, 3 West) remains at home for the second of four-straight matches at Zions Bank Stadium when it hosts Western Conference leader Orange County SC on Friday May 4th at 7:00 p.m. MT. Head Coach Mark Briggs will look draw level with Orange County SC at the top of the Western Conference OCSC at 16 points with a victory on Friday night.

A "May the 4th Star Wars Night" at Zions Bank Stadium will take place on Friday where up to four kid's tickets to the match are FREE with purchase of one paid adult ticket when purchased online at RealMonarchs.com/promo by using promo code EWOK. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from Friday's match will directly benefit Special Olympics Utah as fans can purchase general admission tickets at RealMonarchs.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX for the club's second match in Herriman.

The Monarchs are coming off a hard-fought 0-0 draw against USL newcomer and regional rival Las Vegas Lights FC in its inaugural match at Zions Bank Stadium. A near capacity crowd of 4,065 attended the inaugural match in Herriman to welcome professional soccer to the south end of the Salt Lake Valley.

How to Follow Real Monarchs SLC vs Orange County SC - Fri., May 4, 2018

Coverage Begins: 7:00 p.m. MT

Local TV: KMYU - With Landon Southwick (play-by-play) & Chad Barrett (color)

Digital Streaming: RealMonarchs.com/ESPN+/USLsoccer.com

English Radio: ESPN 700AM

Spanish Radio: 104.7 / 107.1 FM - Fernando Hortal, German Hortal & Carlos Artiles

Providing a potential highlight to the match against the OCSC would be another milestone reached by FW Chandler Hoffman as he continues his quest to reach 50 regular-season goals in the USL. Hoffman currently sits at 49 regular-season goals all-time, needing one more strike to become the third player in the league's modern era to reach the 50-goal mark behind Richmond Kickers striker Dane Kelly and Charlotte Independence midfielder Jorge Herrera. Kelly currently holds the top spot on the all-time scoring charts, having scored 66 goals in his career, leaving Hoffman with 17 goals to reach the summit of the scoring charts.

Last season the Monarchs topped Orange County SC 1-0 in early-June courtesy of an early Hoffman strike before a scoreless draw at Rio Tinto Stadium to help spur the club to claim the 2017 USL Regular Season title.

In 2018 the club returns a 9-player core amongst the 30-man roster for its 2018 campaign, entering the club's first full year under Briggs and staff. USL All-League First Team selection, USL MVP Finalist and Golden Boot runner-up from 2017, FW Chandler Hoffman returns after leading the Monarchs in scoring in 2017, after posting 17 total goals while registering 7 assists through the regular-season and playoffs for his best year as a professional. Joining Hoffman in returning to the Monarchs are MFs Sebastian Velasquez and veteran midfielder Charlie Adams. After his best performance as a professional that saw him score nine goals and register six assists, Velasquez placed second in scoring within the potent attacking force for the Monarchs.

Plenty of experience returns to the midfield and back line as DFs Michael Gallagher, Andrew Brody and James Moberg return to a staunch back line while MF Karsten Hanlin returns for his sophomore season in midfield. Up top, FW Juan Ignacio Mare also returns for his first full season with the club after signing last August. In goal GK Andrew Putna returns for his sophomore season in the USL after featuring in four matches for the Monarchs last season, posting two shutouts while registering two penalty kick saves in two-consecutive matches against Sacramento Republic FC and Reno 1868 FC.

New arrivals for 2018 include: Former Charleston Battery duo MFs Maikel Chang and 2017 USL All-League Second Team selection Justin Portillo; DFs David Diosa, Rhys Williams as well as a former USL Cup winner in Konrad Plewa and 2015 MLS SuperDraft pick Kalen Ryden; In midfield MF Masta Kacher joins the Monarchs together with Washington Husky alumni Josh Heard and reserve GK Jake Leeker.

In 2018 Briggs returns a Real Monarchs coaching staff which includes former Real Salt Lake and New York Red Bulls defender Jamison Olave, Goalkeeper Coach Matt Glaeser who returns for his second season with the USL side, arriving in December 2016, along with Briggs after serving as an assistant at Wilmington. Briggs also sees the transition of former Monarchs midfielder Danny Cruz to an assistant coaching role with the club. Prior to making the transition to coaching, Cruz appeared in nine matches for the Monarchs in 2017, playing 617 minutes while making six starts. As a professional Cruz logged 137 career Major League Soccer appearances, 99 of them in a starting role.

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