The Panthers started strong and looked to be competitive, but "naive" defending and problems sealing the deal lead to the demise of the black and green, said assistant coach, Pele Lopera.

"I'm never happy with a loss, but performance-wise we were quite good, we matched them," he said.

"We were just naive defensively and there were issues with our defensive structure.

"We also missed a lot of opportunities, they took theirs and we created a lot, but didn't take them.

"It was disappointing, but there was also plenty of potential."

A late goal in the first half from Daniel Linstead gave Monaro a glimmer of hope, but a Canberra reply soon before the main break left them down 4-1 at halftime.

The Panthers stepped up and "came out with a better attitude" to start the final half, Lopera said.

"Matt Menser, who played up forward for us, used his experience to be able to speak to the younger boys and bring them up a level," he said.

Canberra FC continued to create opportunities, but defence was able to stop the home team from scoring again until late in the match.

"We were unlucky not to score one or two more goals," Lopera said.

"Our defensive structure was not not the best, but it improved dramatically in the second half and we didn't let them have any cheap possessions.

"We have a good mixed of experienced and young players and some good players who can win the game for us.

"Anthony Giorgi played well, so did Matt Menser and Tim Stewart always gives 100 per cent and leads by example.

"It's our first home game against Cooma (on Sunday) and we want to make Riverside a fortress and make it hard for teams to play there."