SANDY, Utah – Real Monarchs SLC’s winless run came to an end on Saturday evening, as the Western Conference leader topped Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC 2-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium. Chandler Hoffman scored the game’s opening goal, redirecting a Taylor Peay header on frame past Switchbacks goalkeeper Moise Pouaty in the second minute of play. Defender James Moberg netted the second goal 12 minutes later, heading in a cross from Charlie Adams. The momentum shifted in the 71st minute, as Monarchs midfielder Chase Minter was shown a second yellow card and subsequent red card. Moments later, the Switchbacks were awarded a penalty, but Connor Sparrow came up with a massive save to keep the shutout intact. With the win, the Monarchs improve to 16-3-3 this season, while Colorado Springs moves to 9-9-6.

Scoring:
2’ – SLC – Chandler Hoffman (Taylor Peay)
14’ – SLC – James Moberg (Charlie Adams)

• #SLCvCOS: Full match and Opta box score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The Monarchs had been shut out in two consecutive matches before Saturday night’s contest, but the Western Conference leaders put two goals on the board quickly en route to their 10th home win of the year. The club has yet to lose at home, posting a 10-0-1 record. With 10 games remaining in the club’s regular season, the Monarchs are still on pace to break the USL regular-season points record set a season ago by the New York Red Bulls II with 69 points.
   
• 2. Chandler Hoffman’s goal in the second minute of the match was the 26-year-old’s 14th of the regular season, as he continues his push for the 2017 USL Golden Boot. Reno 1868 FC forward Dane Kelly entered the weekend with a league-leading 15 goals this campaign. Hoffman, who has also provided five assists for the Monarchs, has scored each of his 14 goals from inside the box this year.
   
• 3. The Switchbacks win streak ends at three games, but the club is still sitting comfortably above the red line in the race for a playoff position in the Western Conference. Goalkeeper Pouaty was among the notable standouts for Colorado Springs from Saturday’s match, making a couple of eye-opening saves to keep his side in the game. One of his best stops came in the 26th minute, when Pouaty denied Hoffman on a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:

James Moberg, Real Monarchs SLC – The defender played an important role in helping the club secure a shutout, making seven clearances and two interceptions. He also scored the second goal of the game.

Upcoming Games:
Real Monarchs SLC at Swope Park Rangers – Aug. 18, 8:30 p.m. ET, Children’s Mercy Victory Field
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. LA Galaxy II – Aug. 18, 9 p.m. ET, Weidner Field