The Monarchs face their first real test of the 2018 season as they travel south to Scottsdale to face Phoenix Rising in the popup soccer complex that they opened last season. In the two matches there last season the Monarchs managed only the 1-1 draw on June 24th that ended their record setting nine game win streak and a decisive 2-0 loss on September 16th.
Finishing 5th in the Western Conference last season, Phoenix emulated the Monarchs losing in penalty kicks to Swope Park Rangers in the first round of the playoffs. After rebranding before the start of 2017 season and changing coaches to Patrice Carteron in the middle of the season, Phoenix appears to have found stable footing to build upon for the first time in their five seasons in the league.