SANDY, Utah – Charlie Adams had a goal and assist as Real Monarchs SLC took a 2-0 victory against San Antonio FC on Wednesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium in the USL Game of the Week on ESPN3, keeping the Monarchs’ playoff hopes alive. San Antonio had the first good chance as Carlos Alvarez curled a shot just wide of the right post after a corner broke down at the top of the Real penalty area. The Monarchs had the chance to take the lead from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, but SAFC goalkeeper Matt Cardone denied Pedro Baez’s shot to the left corner. Cardone came up big again just before halftime to deny Baez, but the game remained scoreless at the break. San Antonio threatened again with 18 minutes to go as Alvarez’s chipped shot went off the crossbar and over, but moments later Adams gave the Monarchs the lead with a low finish from 15 yards. Adams then played provider as Baez beat the San Antonio back line to finish a one-on-one chance with Cardone to wrap up the win with eight minutes to go, and keep Real’s playoff hopes alive.

Scoring: 
74’ – SLC – Charlie Adams
82’ – SLC – Pedro Baez (Charlie Adams)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. On the balance of play, the Monarchs likely deserved their victory on Wednesday night, and Charlie Adams’ first goal for the club since arriving gave the side the lead it needed to take its fourth win in the past seven games to keep its playoff hopes alive. With both sides desperate for a win the first goal was always going to be decisive, and while it came off a broken play, Adams’ goal opened the game up even more, which allowed the hosts to add an important second goal eight minutes later as Pedro Baez made up for his earlier penalty kick miss to send the Monarchs to victory.  

• 2. San Antonio was in good position for a playoff position a week ago, but two defeats later SAFC is now looking at the prospect of needing victory in both of its remaining games to have a chance at a playoff berth in its inaugural season. San Antonio gets to return home this weekend to host a Tulsa Roughnecks FC side that has long been eliminated from playoff contention, but the final game of the season against Rio Grande Valley FC will now become crucial should SAFC pick up three points on Saturday night.

• 3. Despite Wednesday night’s result, the Monarchs still face an uphill fight to earn a place in the top eight of the Western Conference. Two road games remain, the first against Arizona United SC, which is now also out of playoff contention, and the second against the LA Galaxy II, which may or may not have clinched a playoff berth by the time that game arrives. The pressure will be at its peak as the Monarchs look to take six points to put pressure on the sides surrounding it in its quest for the playoffs.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Charlie Adams, Real Monarchs SLC – With a goal and assist on the night, Adams made his mark decisively to keep his side in playoff contention down the home stretch.

Upcoming Games:

Real Monarchs SLC at Arizona United SC – Sept. 17, 10:30 p.m. ET, Peoria Sports Complex

San Antonio FC vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC – Sept. 17, 8:30 p.m. ET, Toyota Field