Real Monarchs SLC fell in the opening round of the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs in heartbreak fashion, dropping a 1-0 result to Reno 1868 FC at Zions Bank Stadium on Saturday evening. The loss sees the Monarchs bow out of the playoffs in the opening round for the second consecutive season.
After being forced into an early substitution after DF Stanley Okumu appeared to pick up a knock, the Monarchs continued to play staunch defense to keep the visitors at bay. Making two massive saves to keep the Monarchs off the board in the first half was Reno goalkeeper Matt Bersano.