The Monarchs, in the midst of their third USL season, made a significant offseason shift. The organization brought in substantial experience to coincide with the younger players who have come up through Real Salt Lake’s system, and the end result has been impeccable.

The Monarchs have equaled the USL record of eight consecutive wins (matching 2014 side Orlando City SC) and could potentially break that mark when they host Reno 1868 FC on Monday to open Week 14 play. They have already eclipsed last year’s wins total (11-1-0 record this year, compared to 10-14-6 in 2016).

Midfielder Sebastian Velasquez, originally drafted by Real Salt Lake in 2012, has been the engineer of this team. Striker Chandler Hoffman’s career goal-scoring rate is one of the best in USL history. He has eight tallies in 12 games thus far. Combine their efforts with the likes of Nick Besler and Charlie Adams, along with the USL experience of Head Coach Mark Briggs, and Real has found the recipe for success in the Western Conference, with the hopes of making a serious push for the USL Cup.