Real Monarchs SLC at Phoenix Rising FC
April 7, 2018; Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex
8:00 p.m. MT; RealMonarchs.com
Real Monarchs SLC (2-0-0, 6 points); Phoenix Rising FC (2-0-1, 7 points)
Player to Watch – Phoenix Rising FC winger Solomon Asante has been a consistent threat to opposing back lines, putting one away in all three of Rising FC’s matches so far this season. Asante has shown both the capability to blow past center backs, as well as beating the goalkeeper from distance. The versatility was shown in Rising FC's last match against OKC Energy, followed by countless balls and runs made into the box causing chaos for the Energy defenders. Outside of consistent scoring, the freshly inked Ghanaian winger has an eye for a lifted ball into the box, where a formidable attacking presence awaits to head home the chances from wide areas.
All-time History – This will be the eleventh all-time meeting of the two sides. The overall series sets at a slim margin of 5-4-1, with the overall edge in Rising FC’s favor. The last match between the sides ended in a 2-0 loss for the Monarchs in Phoenix last September.
Last Five – Rising FC has started the season fairly strong, only dropping points once out of three games this season courtesy of a tie in their season opener. Since then, there has been no shortage of attacking prowess for Phoenix, as it has scored five goals in their last two outings. Four of those goals came in a single match against OKC Energy in a 4-1 rout, led by a Chris Cortez hat trick. Rising FC has outscored their opponents 6-2 in their first three matches in 2018, presenting an impressive offense early in the season.
