RENO, Nev. – Top-ranked Reno 1868 FC fell 3-0 Saturday night to Western Conference leaders Real Monarchs SLC at Greater Nevada Field.

Despite the loss, Reno 1868 FC remains in second place in the Western Conference standings.

Saturday’s match in front of 6,598 fans began with a Reno team dominating possession and having several early chances.

Reno’s best chance of the first half came off an Antoine Hoppenot penalty kick in the 24th minute following a handball call. Hoppenot stepped up, took the shot, but it was saved by Monarchs goalkeeper Andrew Putna.

Hoppenot had another chance off the rebound but his header found the crossbar and Reno’s chance was cleared away.

In total, Reno took 14 shots including four on target on Saturday.

Both teams entered halftime tied up at 0-0 with goalkeeper Matt Bersano preserving a clean sheet late in the half after a fingertip save.

But it was short-lived as Real Monarchs SLC found the back of the net in the 47th minute thanks to a goal by Chandler Hoffman.

Hoffman’s 16th goal of the season kept it 1-0 for a majority of the match until a Juan Mare goal put it all away.

Daniel Haber scored the Monarchs’ third and final goal for good measure in the 89th minute as the top team in the West took home its second-straight win.

The loss was Reno’s first at Greater Nevada Field since March 25.

Reno will have a week to put Saturday night’s loss behind them as the squad heads to Orange County SC for its final road match of the regular season on Oct. 7.

Reno returns home Oct. 14 to take on rival Sacramento Republic FC for its home finale on Fan Appreciation Night.