2. POINTS AT A PREMIUM: STLFC joined eighth-placed Reno on 42 points with its victory on Saturday, but still sits outside of the playoff places on goal difference. The visitors begin a crucial week of play Wednesday against the Monarchs before travelling to face the sixth-place Swope Park Rangers at the weekend. Every point gained on this road trip will be critical for STLFC in its pursuit of 1868 FC and others. On the other side, a win for the Monarchs wouldn’t just snap their poor run of form but could help them seal a playoff berth by the end of the weekend if STLFC subsequently fails to collect all three points in Kansas City.

3. DESERVED BETTER: In their first meeting this season, the Monarchs went to Missouri and took a 1-0 victory thanks to Chandler Hoffman’s 15th minute penalty kick, but the result doesn’t tell the whole story. STLFC controlled the majority of the contest, registering 62% of the possession and placing eight shots on target compared to Real’s three, but couldn’t make the chances count.

“Last time we played them at home, I felt we deserved more as it was one of our best team performances all year,” STLFC Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “They have lost a couple on the bounce recently so I’m sure they will be fired up and looking to regain their form so we will have to handle our business to make sure we come out with three points.”