Sandy, U.T- The Utah Royals hosted the Portland Thorns for the first match of Week 14 , where 15,931 fans watched the action-packed game live, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The two goals in the first half were celebrated from each side as a World Cup player saw the back of the net.
In an attempt to cross the ball into Utah’s box, the ball from the Thorns was headed out by a Royals defender in the eighth minute. The header only set up forward Christine Sinclair as she used her body to control the ball and then chipped it to the back of the net to give the Thorns an early 1-0 lead.
Just before the first half concluded, the Royals were on their way to a comeback as Royals midfielder Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir sent a long ball to the left side of the field to Christen Press. To move past the Thorns defense, Press nutmegged the defender to score the equalizer on Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch.
The Royals were relentless upon their return from half and almost saw another goal within the first minute. Press sent a ball to Royals forward Amy Rodriguez and took a right-footed shot on goal, but Franch was able to make the save.
In the 87’ minute, the Thorns were given a free-kick and among the collision of players, Lindsey Horan was able to score the leading goal to put the Thorns ahead 2-1. With seconds to go before heading into stoppage time, Royals defender Kelley O’Hara crossed the ball into the box, allowing Rachel Corsie to slide the ball to the back of the net and score the equalizer.
“I thought Utah were the stronger team in the second half,” Thorns head coach Mark Parsons said. “We weren’t able to handle their overload in the midfield, and not just their diamond but the forwards coming off the backline. It took us a while to adjust. Once we adjusted, I thought we slowed them down a little bit, and then we just started to get back in the game, toward the end, when the chaos started.”
Both sides gave a thrilling performance with the return of the Women’s National Team members, from around the world, showing the full scope of a dramatic and competitive match-up.
The Royals will host their second consecutive home match on Saturday, July 27 for Week 15 of the NWSL as they face the North Carolina Courage before heading on the road to take on the Chicago Red Stars.
SCORING SUMMARY:
POR-Christine Sinclair, 9’
UTA-Christen Press, 43’ (Assisted by: Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir)
POR-Lindsey Horan, 87’
UTA-Rachel Corsie, 90’ (Assisted by: Kelley O’Hara)
BOOKING SUMMARY:
POR-Caitlin Foord, 83’ yellow card
UTAH ROYALS: #18-Nicole Barnhart, #5-Kelley O’Hara, #2-Rachel Corsie, #4-Becky Sauerbrunn, #6-Katie Bowen, #9-Lo’eau Labonta, #11-Desiree Scott, #23-Christen Press, #7-Mandy Laddish, #66-Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir, #8-Amy Rodriguez
Subs not used: #21-Veronica Boquete Giadans, #3-Rebecca Moros, #1-Abby Smith, #24-Katie Stengel, #15-Erika Tymrak, #14-Gaby Vincent, #20-Mallory Weber
PORTLAND THORNS: #24-Adrianna Franch, #2-Katherine Reynolds, #4-Emily Menges, #27-Elizabeth Ball, #25-Meghan Klingenberg, #35-Gabby Seiler, #10-Lindsey Horan, #15-Ellie Carpenter, #23-Margaret Purce, #12-Christine Sinclair, #21-Hayley Raso
Subs not used: #30-Celeste Boureille, #8-Andressa Cavalari Machry, #33-Britt Eckerstrom, #9-Caitlin Foord, #17-Tobin Heath, #34-Tyler Lussi, #16-Emily Sonnett
TOTAL SHOTS: UTA 13-5 POR
SHOTS ON GOAL: UTA 7-2 POR
FOULS: UTA 7-1 POR
OFFSIDES: UTA 4-6 POR
Portland Thorns
Utah Royals
