Phoenix, AZ (Saturday September 16, 2017) – Real Monarchs SLC (17-5-5, 56 points) fell to Western Conference rival Phoenix Rising FC 2-0, having gone winless it its last three matches. Goals on either side of the halftime break proved to be the difference as the Monarchs couldn’t get a foothold on the game.
The first half of action saw GK Connor Sparrow make two massive early saves, keeping Phoenix at bay before the home side eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. The goal came when a corner kick played in by Phoenix wasn’t cleared and the ensuing scramble was poked home by midfielder Sam Hamilton.