Utah Royals 1-0 Sky Blue FC
When it comes to an established striker Amy Rodriguez the question is not a matter of if they will find the back of the net but when. For the Utah Royals, the timing could not have been more perfect. Thanks to her goal on Saturday the Royals earned their first win of the NWSL Challenge Cup, a 1-0 victory over Sky Blue FC.
Those who were looking for some early July 4th fireworks in Sandy, Utah were a bit disappointed as the two sides were largely quiet for the first half hour. Given the temperatures on the pitch (over 100 degrees), both sides opted to build from the back and focus on maintaining possession.
After getting settled in, the Royals attack used a series of precise passes to make deep runs inside of the Sky Blue defense. Royals midfielders Michelle Maemone, Brittany Ratcliffe, Diana Matheson, and Veronica Boquette each provided service into the box for forward Amy Rodriguez with increasing levels of success. In the 35th minute Rodriguez nearly connected on a pass from Maemone after bursting past the Sky Blue defense. However, she was unable to maintain possession thus ending the attacking chance. She also had a clear shot at the top of the eighteen in the 38th minute, receiving a ball on a silver platter from Matheson. However, Rodriguez was once again unable to put together a strong shot on target.
After falling just short on the previous two chances, Rodriguez buried her third chance. After receiving a pass from Boquette down the left flank. She then made a diagonal run at goal and hit low shot towards the far right corner into the back of the net. The goal was her first of the Challenge Cup.
In the second half the Utah defense went into lockdown mode. Led by centerback Rachel Corsie, and outside backs Elizabeth Ball and Kate Del Fava the Royals prevented Sky Blue from getting a single shot on goal. The lone nervy moment for the side came early in the second half when they conceded a free kick just outside of the eighteen yard box. However, Sky Blue’s Dominique Richardson shot was well wide of the target.
A cross by Sky Blue into the Utah box in the 89th minute was initially bobbled by Royals Goalkeeper Abby Smith. But credit to Corsie for backing up her keeper and clearing away the dangerous chance.
With the win the Utah Royals (1-1-0, 4 points) move into second place in the NWSL Challenge Cup standings. They will face OL Reign on Wednesday(12:30pm EST/10:30amMT, CBS All Access).
As for Sky Blue FC (0-1-1, 1 point) the loss puts them at the bottom of the NWSL Challenge Cup standings. They will hope for a better result on Wednesday when they face the Houston Dash (10:00pm EST/8:00pm MT).
Sky Blue FC- Kailen Sheridan, Sabrina Flores (Erica Skroski 73’), Kaleigh Riehl (Estelle Johnson 78’), Gina Lewandowski, Midge Purce, Domi Richardson (Nicole Baxter 85’), Nahomi Kawasumi, Sarah Woldmoe, Elizabeth Eddy, Evelyne Viens (Ifeoma Onumanu 45’), and Paige Monaghan (Jennifer Cudjoe 46’)
Yellow Cards- Purce (8’) and Cudjoe (67’)
Utah Royals FC- Abby Smith, Rachel Corsie, Elizabeth Ball, Amy Rodriguez (Arielle Shipp 85’), Lo’eau Labonta, Diana Matheson (GUNNHILDUR YRSA JÓNSDÓTTIR 57’) Michelle Maemone, Veronica Boquete, Brittany Ratcliffe (Tziarra King 66’) , Kate Del Fava,and Raisa Strom-Okimoto (Kate Bowen 45’)
Goal- Rodriguez (40’)
Yellow Card- Del Fava (46’)
