The Colorado Springs Switchabacks lost their first game of the season to the Real Monarchs.

In four previous meetings, the Real Monarchs lost to Colorado Springs, dropping three league contests and one more match in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup qualifying.

On Wednesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, the Monarchs prevailed 2-1, with Emery Welshman scoring both goals in Real’s third win of the season.

Colorado Springs remains in a tight race for the playoffs in the USL’s Western Conference.

While the Switchbacks had several chances at goals, the only score of the night came in the 45th minute when Chandler Hoffman hit a rebound into the net.

Wednesday’s loss pushes the club down a spot in the standings, but not out of contention for the playoffs.

The Switchbacks (12-9-3, 39 points) are three points out of first place.

In the 56th minute, Colorado Springs had an apparent goal waved off when JJ Greer was flagged offside.

Greer headed a free kick past goalie Eric Osswald off a free kick from the left side, but the offside flag negated the would-be go-ahead goal.

The Switchbacks have four more games to play in the USL regular season. The next match is also on the road, this time in Portland.

The Switchbacks are 2-4-4 in their last 10 games and play three of their final five games on the road as they try to make the playoffs.