The Monarchs took the field Papa Murphy’s Park in Sacramento in a new hybrid formation that alternated between a 2-3-2-3 alignment in more pressing offensive situations and 2-1-3-4 in more conservative defensive situations.
Juan Mare and Chandler Hoffman both played a high forward partnership, while alternating sides frequently. James Moberg on the right, Taylor Peay in the center and Emilio Orozco on the left covered the back line in most situations. Max Lachowecki was given much more freedom to move forward offensively with the rest of the midfield, while falling back in the defensive on set pieces and extended possession by the Republic.