Sandy, U.T- The Utah Royals kicked off their first home opener with an audience of 18,015 fans to witness a 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit.
Forward Christen Press almost put the first goal on for the Royals as her right-footed shot at the top of the key curved its way towards Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe, but soared just above the post.
Press continued to make her way towards the net and helped the Royals make their stand early on in the 10′ minute. Spirit defender Paige Nielsen dribbled the ball out, but Press made the steal and set up the ball for midfielder Lo’eau Labonta, who scored the first goal of the season for Utah.
In the first half, the home team out shot Washington 5-2. Although the Spirit lacked opportunities on goal, they maintained 53 percent possession of the ball. The Royals stood their ground and avoided the ball reaching the back of their net, with the score remaining 1-0 at the half.
The Spirit were determined to make a comeback and put pressure on the Royals. Midfielder Andi Sullivan took a left-footed shot on Utah goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart, but the shot was wide of the goal. Bledsoe also saw action in the second half as Washington made three saves to avoid the Royals from racking up the goals.
On a free kick in the 77’ minute, Spirit midfielder Rose Lavelle’s shot almost tied the game, but instead was sent just above the crossbar. This was Lavelle’s first appearance in the 2019 NWSL season, as she was out last week due to injury.
Lavelle also worked with forward Mallory Pugh, passing the ball directly to Pugh as she came up on the left side of the field. The hopes of scoring the equalizer were quickly shut down by Barnhart as she blocked Pugh’s shot.
The Royals will head to Florida for their match against the Orlando Pride on Saturday, April 27.
SCORING SUMMARY:
UTA-Lo’eau Labonta, 10’ (Assisted by: Christen Press)
BOOKING SUMMARY:
WAS-Cheyna Matthews, 26’ yellow card
UTAH ROYALS FC: #18-Nicole Barnhart, #19-Michelle Maemone, #2-Rachel Corsie, #4-Becky Sauerbrunn, #6-Katie Bowen, #11-Desiree Scott, #21-Veronica Boquete Giadans, #66-Gunnhildur Yrsa Jonsdottir, #9-Lo’eau Labonta, #23-Christen Press, #8-Amy Rodriguez
Subs not used: #12-Makenzy Doniak, #7-Mandy Laddish, #5-Kelley O’Hara, #1-Abby Smith, #24-Katie Stengel, #15-Eryka Tymrak, #14-Gaby Vincent
WASHINGTON SPIRIT: #1-Aubrey Bledsoe, #9-Tegan McGrady, #3-Samantha Staab, #14-Paige Nielsen, #23-Tori Huster, #7-Amy Harrison, #12-Andi Sullivan, #4-Jordan Dibiasi, #20-Cheyna Matthews, #33-Ashley Hatch, #11-Mallory Pugh
Subs not used: #19-Dorian Bailey, #5-Megan Crosson, #8-Meggie Dougherty Howard, #17-Cali Farquharson, #10-Rose Lavelle, #2-Arielle Ship, #30-Shae Yanez
TOTAL SHOTS: UTA 12-6 WAS
SHOTS ON GOAL: UTA 4-2 WAS
FOULS: UTA 10-8 WAS
OFFSIDES: UTA 1-1 WAS
CORNER KICKS: UTA 6-3 WAS
Utah Royals
Washington Spirit
