Real Monarchs SLC has only four games remaining in the 2019 USL Championship Season, currently sitting in 6th place in the compact and highly competitive Western Conference table.
Just six points separate fourth place (48 points) and 10th place (42 points) while the Monarchs hold 46 points, two points below the fourth spot on the Western Conference table. After a rough start to the club’s fifth season in the Championship saw it sit near the bottom of the West early, Real Monarchs saw a meteoric rise to fight for a third consecutive playoff appearance in as many years.
In the expanded USL Cup Playoffs format, 10 teams from each conference will be included with the lowest four seeds opening the post-season in the Play-In Round, with the seventh seed hosting the tenth while the eighth seed hosts the ninth for a place in the Conference Quarterfinals. Each match in the playoffs is a single-elimination format, with the higher seed serving as the host. As it currently stands, Real Monarchs would by-pass the Play-In Round and face Reno 1868 FC in the quarterfinals at Greater Nevada Field.
The USL Cup Playoffs are structured as such:
With its four games remaining, Real Monarchs SLC looks to secure its third appearance in the USL Championship playoffs in as many years while earning the right to host its first match. Three of the club’s remaining matches will be played at Zions Bank Stadium, where the Monarchs have earned a 9-2-3 (30 points) record in 2019 and a 21-5-5 (68 points) record since opening the stadium in April 2018. The Monarchs will host Orange County SC (5 West), Austin Bold FC (7 West), and finish off the season with Sacramento Republic FC (4 West) in Herriman. On the road, Real Monarchs have one game remaining as it is set to visit 2019 Regular Season title winner, Phoenix Rising FC (1 West).
Real Monarchs are in control of its own destiny as it has an opportunity to clinch its playoff berth on Wednesday, October 9th when it hosts Orange County SC. A win over OCSC would see the Monarchs earn a spot in the USL Championship playoffs as well as vault into 4th in the West over Sacramento Republic FC and Orange County. Tickets to Wednesday's contest are available at RealMonarchs.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX.
