2. REAL DEAL: Real Monarchs SLC is still in second place in the Western Conference after this weekend’s action, but with five consecutive victories now seems like the in-form team in the USL after Saturday’s 5-2 demolition of Rocky Mountain rival Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Two goals apiece for Chandler Hoffman and Sebastian Velasquez were the tip of a remarkable performance that not only avenged the side’s only loss of the season so far, but also gave Real 25 goals in just nine games this season. That pace of almost three goals per game probably isn’t sustainable, but even if it isn’t, the Monarchs are looking a decent bet to break the New York Red Bulls II’s 61 goals mark of a season ago.

3. DEFENSIVE STEP-UP: Why there’s reason to believe that Real Monarchs SLC may come down from their current scoring pace can be seen in San Antonio, which continued its undefeated start to the season, but got another 1-0 victory to do so against Phoenix Rising FC in front of 7,414 fans on Saturday night at Toyota Field. That the side has been overtaken by the Monarchs for the league’s scoring lead is likely of little concern for now, since SAFC’s excellent defense is continuing to carry the side forward. As long as SAFC remains water-tight at the back, and there’s little reason to believe it won’t, San Antonio is going to prove a tough nut to crack for any opponent.

4. KINGS OF STEEL CITY: Louisville City FC wanted to get things back on track after a three-game winless streak that included the club’s first defeat of the season in Tampa Bay. In its visit to Pittsburgh over the past week it achieved just that with a big win in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and a narrower, but just as effective, victory against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on Saturday night in league action. Louisville is still looking for greater consistency in front of goal. Luke Spencer’s early strike against the Hounds was only City’s eighth goal in the league this season, but the side is now well-poised ahead of a massive trip to face the Charleston Battery on June 3.