The Utah Royals celebrate snapping the NC Courage winning streak (photo by Victoria Klum).
Cary, N.C– At WakeMed Soccer Park, 5,164 people watched the Utah Royals bring an end to the North Carolina Courage’s 12-game winning streak. The Royals scored in the 94th minute, which marked their second consecutive win this season.
The first half of the match was lacking any real opportunities. Courage forward Crystal Dunn brought a splash of action from a shot in the 32nd minute after fellow midfielder McCall Zerboni passed the ball to Dunn, who made her way past the defense, although the shot was saved by Royal goalkeeper Abby Smith.
By the half, the Courage dominated with 15 shots while the Royals reached eight. The scoreless first half brought more anticipation for both sides with the critical parts of the match taking place late in the second half.
Once again, the Courage had another opportunity and went for it. Midfielder Debinha crossed the ball to Denise O’Sullivan, who was faced with Smith, but her shot hit the crossbar.
Despite the attempts mad by the Courage, the Royals made a huge comeback off a free kick taken by Diana Matheson. Midfielder Brittany Ratcliffe controlled the ball well after she gained possession from the Courage and after she turned towards the goal, she shot the ball directly to the back of the net in the fourth minute of overtime.
The Courage have remained on top all season long with not a single loss on their record. With the Royals being the newest team in the league, their momentum during this match allowed them to be the first team this season to take down North Carolina.
The Royals were off to a rough start this season as they didn’t see a victory early on, but their play has progressed as they stand with 4-2-5. Within their previous eight matches, they have only experienced one loss.
The next Courage match to follow for Week 13 will take place at 4:00 p.m. on June 23 as they take on Seattle Reign FC at Memorial Stadium.
Click here for photo gallery of the match.
SCORING SUMMARY:
UTA-Brittany Ratcliffe, 90+4’
BOOKING SUMMARY:
UTA-Desiree Scott, yellow card, 26’
NC COURAGE: #100-Katelyn Rowland, , #15-Jalene Hinkle, #6-Abby Erceg, #31-Kaleigh Kurtz, #11-Merritt Mathias, #10-Débora Cristiane De Oliveria, #7-McCall Zerboni, #5-Samantha Mewis, #19-Crystal Dunn, #23-Kristen Hamilton (#8-Denise O’Sullivan, 59’), #14-Jessica McDonald (#9-Lynn Williams, 72’)
Subs not used: #1-Sabrina D’Angelo, #21-Darian Jenkins, #20-Yuri Kawamura, #16-Cari Roccaro, #25-Meredith Speck
UTAH ROYLAS FC: #1-Abby Smith, #3-Rebecca Moros, #2-Rachedl Corsie, #4-Becky Sauerbrunn, #6-Katie Bowen, #23-Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir, #11-Desiree Scott, #10-Diana Matheson, #19-Katrina Gorry (#25-Brittany Ratcliffe, 77’), #24-Katie Stengel (#9-Lo’eau Lobonta, 68’), #8-Amy Rodriguez (#20-Elise Thorsnes, 84’)
Subs not used: #18-Nicole Barnhart, #12-Taylor Lytle, #17-Sydney Miramontez, #15-Erika Tymrak
TOTAL SHOTS: NC 15-8 UTA
SHOTS ON GOAL: NC 4-3 UTA
FOULS: NC 9-5 UTA
OFFSIDES: NC 2-6 UTA
CORNER KICKS: NC 4-1 UTA
SAVES: NC 2-4 UTA
