Game at a Glance: URFC vs. WASH
Utah Royals FC 2, Washington Spirit 0
May 5, 2018; Sandy, Utah; Rio Tinto Stadium
Utah Royals FC (1-1-4, 7 points); Washington Spirit (1-3-2, 5 points)
Woman of the Match
On Saturday, May 5, Diana Matheson scored her first goal for URFC - her 24th career goal in the NWSL - and helped set up Kelley O’Hara for the first goal of the match. The Canadian Women’s National Team star was dangerous in the attacking third, creating multiple scoring opportunities for her teammates, and winning a majority of her tackles on the ground. Early in the match, Matheson won a tackle near the midfield stripe, and immediately played a beautiful ball to the feet of a waiting Amy Rodriguez, who would then split the seams for a streaking Kelley O’Hara goal.
Matheson’s immense tenacity and work rate then paid off in the 66th minute after a well-timed slide tackle won her the ball just on top of the Spirit’s penalty box. Demonstrating composure on top of the eighteen, Matheson chipped the charging GK Aubrey Bledsoe, resulting in the second goal of the game – making her this week’s “Woman of the Match.”
Telling Stat
The most positive improvement from the URFC side includes a high productivity on the attacking line, producing the second-most shots the team has taken this season (10). Of the shots taken, half were on frame (5), and two found the back of the net. Head Coach Laura Harvey has played with a different starting lineup in each of the club's six games, but statistics show that the XI on Saturday proved to be the most effective in the attack.
Along a similar note, the Utah side held Washington to only one shot on frame - an record low for the Spirit this season. URFC lived up to their defensive reputation, keeping USWNT stars Mallory Pugh, Andi Sullivan, and Ashley Hatch from creating or capitalizing on dangerous scoring chances.
What You Missed
Those watching on Saturday witnessed history as URFC clinched the club's first-ever win. Forwards Kelley O’Hara and Diana Matheson each scored world-class goals, bringing the 7,551 fans at Rio Tinto Stadium to their feet. MF Katrina Gorry, the Australian international, also started her first game for URFC, taking every single set piece but one during her time in play. Finally, a defensive line including Brooke Elby, Rachel Corsie, Becky Sauerbrunn and Becca Moros, kept the Spirit from scoring for the first time this season. Playing the Harvey high-pressure style, Utah Royals FC played their best game of their 2018 campaign so far.
So, What:
The team will return to Rio Tinto Stadium this Wednesday, May 9, against the Orlando Pride. The last time these two teams met, a dubious hand ball and converted penalty kick kept URFC from taking home three road points in its inaugural NWSL game, ultimately begin forced to settle for a 1-1 draw. Hoping to continue building momentum and rising up the table, URFC will kick off Wednesday night at Rio Tinto Stadium against international stars Alex Morgan, Marta and Sydney Leroux at 7:00 p.m. MT. You can catch the match live at "the RioT" by buying tickets via www.UtahRoyalsFC.com or by calling 844.Real.Tix, or tune in to the broadcast via KMYU, the RSL on KSL app, or listen on ESPN700.
