The Monarchs opened the season in their all white away kit and new head coach Mike Petke in his customary sweater. They looked sharp out the gate controlling the midfield and having better possession despite three early corner kicks by Timber 2. Minter had the first chance putting a shot off the post just after the 9th minute before Moberg buried a snap-down header into the goal in the 10th minute off a corner kick.
Bijev had the first chance for T2 in the 13th but missed wide. Chandler Hoffman had another good chance in the 16th minute off a through ball from Lachowecki but his shot went wide as the Monarchs continued to set the pace with all the momentum in midfield and had 58.