Reno 1868 FC (8-3-7) defeated the Real Monarchs SLC (12-4-1) 3-0 at Greater Nevada Field on Saturday. The win is Reno’s third in a row and extends the club’s undefeated streak to 14 matches.
The home team pushed the pace in the first half and had numerous opportunities to score, but were only able to get one goal.
Luis Felipe scored following a Brent Richards header off of another header from Reno captain Zach Carroll. The goal came in the 32′.
Going into halftime, Reno had eight shots, three on goal, and led Real Monarchs SLC 1-0.
The second half included more dominance from Reno as the offense continued pushing the pace. Brian Brown scored the next goal for Reno in the 57′.
The opportunity came via a brilliant pass from Antoine Hoppenot from right in of Jacob Leeker, Real Monarchs’ goalkeeper. This assist was Hoppenot’s eighth of the season and ties him for most assists in the USL.
Brian Brown would score another goal in the 66′ off of a cross from Paul Marie. This goal was Brown’s seventh of the year and cemented the win for Reno 1868 FC.
Brown did have an opportunity for the hat trick due to a penalty kick in the 80′, but Leeker was able to stop the shot.
The win puts Reno into third place in the USL Western Conference with 31 points. The club is four points behind second place Phoenix Rising FC and one point ahead of fourth place Orange County SC. Despite the loss, Real Monarchs SLC remain in first place in the Western Conference with 37 points.
Reno 1868 FC now heads out on a long road trip with a matchup against 16th placed Seattle Sounders FC 2 next. The next home game for Reno will be an international friendly against Monarcas Morelia on July 14, 2018.
Featured image by John Macaluso
