IRVINE, Calif. – Real Monarchs SLC struck early, and had Connor Sparrow save a penalty kick, as it took a seventh consecutive victory with a 1-0 win against Orange County SC on Saturday night at Orange County Great Park. The Monarchs are now only one win shy of tying the USL record for consecutive victories of eight. The Monarchs took the lead inside the opening minute as a low cross from the left by Charlie Adams came to Chandler Hoffman at the near post, and Hoffman knocked home his seventh goal of the season. Real (10-1-0, 30pts) almost doubled its lead in the 22nd minute as a defensive turnover created an opening for Hoffman, who was denied by OCSC goalkeeper Charlie Lyon, and Daniel Haber shot over the crossbar. Orange County (3-4-1, 10pts) had a chance to level just before the break from the penalty spot, but Monarchs goalkeeper Connor Sparrow saved as Jerry van Ewijk’s shot to the left corner was denied. The Monarchs almost added to their lead with 15 minutes to go as a give-and-go with Hoffman put Sebastian Velasquez into the penalty area, but Lyon made a big save to keep it a one-goal game. Orange County’s Amirgy Pineda had a shot that went just wide of the left post three minutes later, and the hosts pressed late for an equalizer, but Real held on to put itself one win from tying the league’s consecutive wins mark.

Scoring: 
1’ – SLC – Chandler Hoffman (Charlie Adams)

• #OCvSLC: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. One of the keys to Real Monarchs SLC’s outstanding form to start the season has been the team’s ability to put opponents on the back foot early. With that in mind, the opening minute of Saturday’s encounter couldn’t have been more ideal for the Monarchs as on the 55-second mark they had the lead on the road. Making the most of a second opportunity following a disappointing free kick delivery, Charlie Adams’ delivery was in the ideal position for Chandler Hoffman to pick up his seventh goal of the season and put Orange County on its heels.

• 2. Orange County had a golden opportunity to break out of the offensive funk it has found itself in over the past few games when it was awarded a penalty kick in stoppage time, but Jerry van Ewijk’s effort was saved by Monarchs goalkeeper Connor Sparrow to give the visitors another major boost moments before the halftime whistle. OCSC has now been held scoreless in three consecutive games, and will need to get things back on track if it’s to take advantage of the games in hand it holds on the teams above it in the Western Conference.

• 3. Real Monarchs’ seventh consecutive victory places it one win away from tying the USL’s all-time record of eight, set by Orlando City SC in 2014. After two hard-fought wins away from home, Real will get the chance to match the Lions next Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium when it welcomes the Portland Timbers 2. With the way the side is playing right now, it certainly promises to be something special as the Monarchs pursue a piece of history.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Connor Sparrow, Real Monarchs SLC – Sparrow’s penalty save was a crucial moment in the game, and the goalkeeper was commanding throughout the night to lead his side to victory.

Upcoming Games:
Orange County SC vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2 – June 24, 8 p.m. ET, Orange County Great Park
Real Monarchs SLC vs. Portland Timbers 2 – June 10, 9 p.m. ET, Rio Tinto Stadium