Real Monarchs SLC vs Phoenix Rising FC
July 28, 2018; Zions Bank Stadium, Herriman, Utah
8:00 p.m. MT; RealMonarchs.com
Real Monarchs SLC (13-5-2, 41 points); Phoenix Rising FC (11-4-5, 38 points)
Player to Watch – Phoenix Rising FC forward Chris Cortez has been a constant bane to opposing back lines, having scored three of his team-leading nine goals within the last three games in which Rising FC has scored. In recent weeks, the American striker as shown how deadly he can be with just a single touch by putting away his last three goals with his first touch. The 30-year-old California native is only two goals behind in the golden boot race and will be looking to add to his goal count against Real Monarchs on Saturday.
History – After 11 games between Real Monarchs and Phoenix Rising, the all-time series sits level at 5-5-1. The last meeting saw Phoenix host the Monarchs, but ultimately fall to a narrow 1-0 scoreline after a second half goal came through for the Monarchs via Sebastian Velasquez. The two teams have achieved a total of 23 goals against one another, with Phoenix Rising FC leading the goal scoring tally having notched 12 of the 23. Without much of a difference between the two and both at the top of the West, both teams will be looking to gain the edge this Saturday.
Last Five – Phoenix Rising FC has been one of the more dominate teams in the West sitting in second place on the Western Conference table, just below the Monarchs with 38 points. While Phoenix has seen mixed results in recent weeks, the Arizona team holds a record of 3-1-1, coming away with 10 out of a possible 15 points in the last five games. With an opportunity to stand level at the top of the Western Conference with Real Monarchs SLC, Phoenix Rising FC will be shooting for another three points at Zions Bank Stadium where the Monarchs remain unblemished.
