For their first home match of the season and initial match in USL Championship’s Return to Play initiative, the Monarchs gave starts to two academy players in forward Bode Davis and defender Zackery Farnsowrth and included a third, Jeff Dewsnup, on the bench. Davis and Farnsworth joined goalkeeper Jimmy Slaton; defenders Taylor Peay, Jame Moberg and Andrew Brody; midefielders Jack Blake, Sam Brown, Devin Vega and Dayonn Harris; and forward Kyle Coffee on the field.
USL Championship newcomer San Diego Loyal came out determined to maintain patient possession and avoid a high paced game in the heat and altitude.