REAL MONARCHS SLC ANNOUNCE DEPARTURE OF CHANDLER HOFFMAN AT SEASON’S END

Birmingham, AL Native to Become First-Ever Player for 2019 USL Newcomer

Birmingham Legion FC;

Hoffman to Remain with Real Monarchs SLC Through the End of 2018 Season;

HERRIMAN, Utah (Monday, July 30, 2018) – Real Monarchs SLC today announced the departure of the club's current captain and FW Chandler Hoffman after the conclusion of the 2018 United Soccer League season said General Manager Dan Egner. Hoffman will become Birmingham Legion FC’s first-ever signing – returning to his home town of Birmingham, Alabama – but will remain with the Monarchs through USL Cup 2018, ensuring focus remains with the Utah side as the club seeks its first USL Cup title.

“As a club, we’re excited about this opportunity for Chandler,” Egner said. “He’s been a consummate professional during his time with the club and has been an integral part of the success the club has seen the past two seasons. For Chandler to become the marquee player for his hometown professional club is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we’re glad we were able to come to an agreement with Birmingham Legion FC to make this happen. Chandler will always hold a special place with the Monarchs, and we look forward to him leading the charge on our quest for the USL Cup this season.”

Hoffman, 27, currently sits tied atop the Monarchs scoring charts in the 2018 season, having scored seven goals in 20 appearances. Hoffman led the club to the 2017 USL Regular-Season Championship Shield in 2017 after scoring 16 goals during the regular-season before adding one goal in the USL Cup Playoffs. The striker finished third in the USL’s Most Valuable Player ballot, earned himself a place on the USL All-League First Team and finished second in the league’s Golden Boot Race after a stellar 2017 season. Hoffman has appeared in 53 total matches for the Monarchs.

“I am thankful to the entire RSL organization for allowing me to get this finalized,” Hoffman said of his opportunity. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me personally, to return to my hometown and build something in the city I grew up in. With that being said, my entire focus is finishing what we have started this season with the Monarchs and leading this team to a USL Cup championship.”

The Monarchs return to regular-season action on August 8th when it hosts Reno 1868 FC at Zions Bank Stadium. Tickets to the match in Herriman can be purchased by going to RealMonarchs.com/schedule.