HERRIMAN — Chandler Hoffman made history for the Real Monarchs, the second-division side of Real Salt Lake, on Tuesday night.

Hoffman, a 27-year-old forward in his second season with the Monarchs, became the third player in the modern era of the second-division United Soccer League to score 50 regular-season goals in his career.

But more important to Hoffman were the three points.

Hoffman’s second-half goal led the Monarchs to a 1-0 win Tuesday night over visiting Sacramento Republic FC at Zions Bank Stadium.

"We had to get a result tonight and solidify ourselves in that top spot," Hoffman said. "I need to solidify myself back in the lineup … and I'm happy I came through."

With the win, the Monarchs (9-2-1) remain atop the Western Conference standings with 28 points and rebound from a 1-0 loss at Portland Timbers 2 on the weekend.

Taken in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by Philadelphia before spending three years in MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo, Hoffman joins Reno’s Dane Kelly and Charlotte’s Jorge Herrera as the only players in USL’s modern era to score 50 regular-season goals.

Hoffman's milestone came exactly 100 games into his USL career, a rate of scoring of one goal every two games. Kelly is the league's active leader in goals scored with 67.

Hoffman had a career-best 17 goals in his first season in Utah in 2017, helping himself to all-league first-team and midseason most valuable player honors.

It was about time for Hoffman, who scored his 49th regular-season goal in USL play before the Monarchs opened their 5,000-seat stadium in Herriman at the close of April.

"I feel like I was stuck on 49 for a minute, and tonight was my 100th USL game as well," Hoffman said. "To get the win, the goal and to average a goal every other game is incredible.

"If you look back at some of the games, I scored and was offsides, or had a near-miss. Soccer is a crazy game. You can be in and out of the team really quick."

The journeyman striker scored his third goal of the season in the 68th minute, giving the Monarchs a 1-0 lead barely three minutes after entering as a substitute for forward Juan Mare.

"He's been going through a difficult situation, not playing as much and not scoring," Monarchs interim head coach Jamison Olave said. "But he came off the bench and scored a great goal that gave us three points. I'm very happy for him."

Of course Hoffman wasn’t the only reason the Monarchs earned the win during the midweek match. He can thank a handful of defensive help, including goalkeeper Jake Leeker.

The 6-foot-5 keeper with an imposing frame made four saves for the Monarchs, including stopping Adam Moffatt’s penalty kick in the 50th minute to keep the sides level after a scoreless first half.

"We just took a performance after Portland, and turned it into a great opportunity to show who we are," Olave said. "It shows that was just one game. Today, they played pretty good soccer in the first half—and in the second half, they fought and we got three points."

Next up:

The Monarchs host Rio Grande Valley at 7 p.m. MDT Monday, June 4, at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman.

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