3. DOORSTEP OF HISTORY: One of the two teams sitting above the fray moved within one win of history on Saturday night, with Real Monarchs SLC continuing its outstanding run with a 2-0 victory against the Portland Timbers 2, the club’s eighth in a row. Real’s victory moved the side level with 2014’s Orlando City SC side for the most successive wins in USL history, as the club’s attack continued to motor forward. With both Charlie Adams and Sebastian Velasquez now in the top five in assists in the USL, and Chandler Hoffman only one tally away from his 40th regular-season goal in the league, the anticipation for next Monday’s chance at history should make for a remarkable night at Rio Tinto Stadium.

4. SILVER STREAK: The Monarchs’ winning streak will be the main attraction, but the wider reason why next Monday night’s game should be a must-see is the form of the visitor, Reno 1868 FC. Welcoming a season-high crowd of 6,060 to Greater Nevada Field – bolstered by an impressive group from the Tower Bridge Battalion on hand – 1868 FC continued its ascent in the Western Conference with a 2-0 victory against Sacramento Republic FC. With USL leading scorer Dane Kelly’s goal-scoring streak now at six games, and the team as a whole undefeated in its past seven games, 1868 FC will be in the type of mood to reverse its 5-3 defeat at the same venue earlier this season.

5. BREAKING THE HEX: Both the streaks the Monarchs and Reno are currently on are certainly welcome for both clubs. On Sunday, Louisville City FC broke a most unwanted streak of its own as in its sixth meeting with the New York Red Bulls II, the club finally emerged with its first victory. After last season’s penalty shootout loss to the Red Bulls II, Louisville likely had its first meeting with New York circled after the schedule came out earlier this year. Behind another strong attacking performance by Brian Ownby, and a stellar display defensively, Louisville came away with a comprehensive win, and continued its push toward the top of the Eastern Conference.

6. HOLDING FIRM: After earning a 1-0 victory against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium, Charleston Battery midfielder Justin Portillo said, “If you look at what we’ve done in the span of two games, I think it shows how versatile we are. We can beat you in different ways and there’s a lot to be said for that.” While the Battery didn’t emerge with a victory the week prior, the sentiment is understandable. On Saturday, in the 60th meeting all-time between the Battery and Kickers, it was Charleston’s defense that restored its luster, holding strong in the second half as Richmond tried to find an answer for Portillo’s first-half penalty kick. The Battery’s adaptability, built around its spine of defenders Taylor Mueller and Forrest Lasso, Portillo in midfield and Romario Williams in attack, have put the side solidly in first place, and ready for the challenges ahead.