HERRIMAN, Utah – Last week’s official opening of Zions Bank Stadium produced both a sense of excitement and of expectation in Real Monarchs SLC’s camp, but with the side having earned its first victory last Friday night at the new soccer-specific stadium there is now a feeling that the pressure has been lowered going into Wednesday night’s top-five Western Conference matchup with the Swope Park Rangers (9 p.m. ET | Match Center | ESPN+).

That the Monarchs’ victory against Orange County SC arrived in stoppage time via Juan Mare’s first goal of the season only added to relief felt in the club’s locker room as the side got its first win at the new venue done and dusted.

“The win was needed,” said Monarchs Head Coach Mark Briggs. “It was a weight off everyone’s shoulders, so it felt nice. Now our attention turns to Swope Park and of course we’re looking to get another three points.”

The Monarchs sit a point ahead of the Rangers in the Western Conference standings going into a busy week for the hosts, who will also welcome Fresno FC on Saturday afternoon to wrap up a four-game home stand. That could mean some changes to the lineup between the two contests as Real looks to keep its players fresh, but the quality Swope Park brings as two-time defending Western Conference champion means the Monarchs will likely aim for as full-strength a lineup as possible for one of Week 9’s marquee contests.

With the Monarchs holding a 2-0-1 edge in the three previous meetings between the clubs, the hosts are hoping to add another pair of notches to their belts before the week is out.

“Swope and Fresno are two good teams and we’re prepared for them,” said Monarchs defender Kalen Ryden. “We’re at home so we’re going to go out and try and get the full six points from the next two matches.”