The first of a three-game road trip to end the season went very well, as Energy FC (10th, 12-14-6, 42 pts) beat Las Vegas Lights FC 1-0 on Saturday night in Vegas. A first goal for Deshorn Brown and a performance worthy of inclusion in the USL Team of the Week by Cody Laurendi were enough to secure the three points against Vegas for the second time this season.

In the season’s penultimate fixture, the Greens remain out west to take on Real Monarchs SLC (4th, 17-2-3, 54 pts). The first meeting between the two sides, back on August 11, left nothing to be desired, as the Monarchs battled back from a two-goal deficit only to see Monty Patterson grab a late winner for OKC. Christian Volesky scored the fastest goal in club history after just 25 seconds and Alex Dixon added a second, before quick strikes from Charlie Adams and Jack Blake threw the outcome in doubt. Second-half substitute, and then-new-signing, Patterson smashed a left-footed volley to put the Greens ahead for good.

Despite already clinching a playoff spot, the Monarchs are reeling of late. They went all of September without a win and haven’t recorded three points since beating LA Galaxy II on August 25 – a seven match winless streak. On Saturday, they lost 2-0 at home to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC – just their second loss at Zions Bank Stadium this year.

Still, there is no shortage of quality in the Salt Lake squad. Chandler Hoffman leads the way with 12 goals and Sebastian Velasquez has scored seven. Maikel Chang is having a great season as well with a team-leading eight assists and four goals. Former Green Kalen Ryden has chipped in with five goals – a very impressive return for a defender.

The Greens will continue to look for a strong finish to the season, build for 2019, and hopefully take advantage of a Monarchs side that is slumping at the wrong time.

Wednesday’s match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. from Sandy, Utah, and as always, you can watch live on espn+.