Monarchs still on the road against Reno 1868 tonight

After a tired and ineffectual 3-1 loss against Rio Grande Valley last weekend following a hard midweek effort against Tacoma, the Monarchs have had a full week back at home in their own beds to prepare for this critical match in Reno.

Third place Reno 1868 FC has already clinched a sport in the playoffs and has wins in each of their last three matches. With 66 goals, including 15 by Corey Hetzog who passed the benchmark of 50 goals in the USL lost weekend against New Mexico United, Reno remains a potent offensive powerhouse and has a defense that shares many characteristics with the Monarchs. That, in addition to the 3-1 loss earlier this season at Zions Bank Stadium, will have the Ian Russell led team looking for revenge against the Monarchs who hold a 5-1-0 record all time against Reno.

The small Monarchs roster remains depleted by injuries and the team been digging deep to field a full 18 man squad even with assistance from parent club RSL and their academy. Mailkel Chang and captain Jack Blake will likely be leading another makeshift squad tonight in Greater Nevada Field which has seen several notable victories by the visiting Monarchs who need a full three points to stay in the thick of the playoff race with four more matches to come.

Kickoff is at 7 PM and the game will be streamed on ESPN+ and available for replay following the Royals and RSL matches this evening.