Real Monarchs SLC came out with 5 players down on assignment from Real Salt Lake including recent signing Kelyn Rowe who made his debut in cobalt. David Ochoa, Tate Schmitt. Douglas Martinez also rejoined the team after an productive absence with the Honduran U-23 side in Olympic Qualifying and the Pan American Games.
Fresno FC came out in a 3-4-2-1 formation in an attempt to clog the midfield and set up their vaunted counter-attacking offense. This approach worked well through out the first half as the Monarchs struggled to get into the offensive third and failed to get a shot on goal.