Although Lalo Fernadez in goal was the only change from their starting lineup in the victory against Timbers 2 in Portland, the Monarchs were slightly helter-skelter in the first 25 minutes of their home opener at Rio Tinto.
Both sides struggled to find any rhythm or develop consistent possession until Andrew Brody finally found some room on the right side and launched a good cross into Chase Minter whose 29th minute shot was the first shot to force a save by Phoenix’s Josh Cohen.
Although the Monarchs continued to force play into Rising’s side of the field, it wasn’t until a long range strike from Sebastian Velasquez shortly before the end of the first half that they forced a second save.