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Monarchs Keeping Streak in Perspective

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 06/13/17, 8:01AM EDT

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Briggs pleased with unselfishness of Western Conference leaders


Photo courtesy Real Monarchs SLC

SANDY, Utah – Real Monarchs SLC Head Coach Mark Briggs’ side might have equaled a USL regular-season record in their 2-0 victory against the Portland Timbers 2 on Saturday night, but as impressive as the club’s run to eight consecutive wins has been, Briggs is keeping his perspective.

“It’s great to equal this record and it’s great to get eight consecutive wins, but we haven’t done anything,” Briggs said after Saturday’s win at Rio Tinto Stadium. “We have to continue winning games and taking each game as it comes, and I’ll be happy if we’re winning games in October and November when it really matters.”

That said, the manner the side has performed to equal the 2014 Orlando City SC side in reaching this point has been gratifying for Briggs and his squad. The Monarchs arguably could have recorded a more decisive victory against T2 with 27 shots overall in the contest, but the two goals the side did score through Andrew Brody and Chandler Hoffman, both via assists from Sebastian Velasquez, epitomized the best the side has to offer.

“Sometimes we show people where they should have passed instead of shot,” said Briggs. “I think Sebastian tonight, he showed his vision and he showed his awareness and put it on a plate for Chandler to put it in the back of the net. Unselfishness in that regard is great, but I think you see it all over, the work-rate from everybody.”


Photo courtesy Real Monarchs SLC

Hoffman’s goal was his eighth of the season, putting him in third place in the race for the USL Golden Boot behind Reno 1868 FC’s Dane Kelly with 12 and the Charleston Battery’s Romario Williams on 10. A USL All-League selection in 2014 for the LA Galaxy II, Hoffman is one goal away from his 40th in the USL regular season after making his 67th regular-season appearances in the league on Saturday.

“I think for us attackers the exciting part is we can be even better,” Hoffman said. “We could do a little bit better with our chances, be a little bit cleaner in the final third, but at the end of the day the two goals we scored were great team goals, really unselfish play and I think it’s a great performance.”

The victory moved the Monarchs into sole possession of first place ahead of San Antonio FC, whose outstanding defensive record could potentially make for a fascinating matchup when the two sides finally meet. With 11 points separating second-place San Antonio and third-place Colorado Spring Switchbacks FC, the top two have built a sizeable gap on the rest of the field, which should see the two still atop the standings when they first meet on July 22 at Toyota Field.

“People are obviously anticipating, looking forward to that game,” said Briggs. “I’m no different, I won’t say I haven’t thought about it and it hasn’t come into my mind, but my main focus is just on preparing for Reno and making sure we’re in the best possible shape to get another three points.”

Monday night’s game with Reno, and the chance at a ninth consecutive victory, is squarely in the sights for Briggs, Hoffman and the rest of the Monarchs. With the game set for next Monday night, and Reno likely looking for revenge after their 5-3 defeat at Rio Tinto Stadium earlier this season, the clash is shaping up to be a must-see.

“It’s massive for the club,” said Hoffman. “If you look, I think now we have the most wins ever in a Monarchs season, and we’re 12 games in, so I think it’s a real credit to this group and to the organization for the players they’ve brought in, but Reno’s going to be a tough game. If you look recently they’ve been getting a lot of good results, they’ve got obviously some dangerous players going forward, but it’s an incredible opportunity to win nine straight games.”

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