There’s often talk at the end of games of the fine margins and moments that decide a contest. This past weekend those moments served more to leave teams level than provide some of the dramatic victories we’ve already seen in 2018 as eight of the 11 games played out on Saturday and Sunday ended all square. Arguably the biggest game of the weekend ended with a decisive result, however, and a historic moment for all who saw it.

1. MARKING A MILESONE: The Tampa Bay Rowdies have had numerous players become fan favorites and iconic figures in their modern era, but it’s hard to think of one that has both endeared himself to the club’s faithful and etched his way into the club’s record book in the way that Georgi Hristov has. The Bulgarian forward began his sixth season at the club this spring and on Saturday night reached another milestone, tying original Rowdies great Derek Smethurst for the all-time lead in goals with his 57th tally in a Rowdies uniform. That it helped produce a 2-0 victory for the Rowdies against the previously perfect Real Monarchs SLC only added to the sense of occasion at Al Lang Stadium on Saturday night as a crowd of 6,027 fans paid tribute to the 33-year-old veteran, who seems in fine fettle with four goals in six games already this season.

2. ROYALS DETHRONED: Real Monarchs SLC’s perfect start to the season came at the hands of the Rowdies, but there was still a good amount to be pleased about in the performance on the road as the visitors carried good portions of the game against a fired-up Tampa Bay side and fanbase eager to put its road defeat in New York in the rear-view mirror. The Monarchs finished the game with more shots overall than their hosts but were unable to capitalize on a strong spell midway through the first half that came prior to Joe Cole’s opening goal of the night for Tampa Bay, which brought the only clear disappointing moment of the night for the visitors in Michael Gallagher’s error to allow the former England international an invitation to score the crucial opening goal. With the opening of Zion’s Bank Stadium next on the docket for Head Coach Mark Briggs and his side, there’s plenty to look forward to in what should be a memorable night for the club.