Bring It On Home
Last Wednesday against Sky Blue FC, Utah Royals FC recorded 23 shots, the most in a single game in club history, 11 of which were taken by FW Christen Press. The next-highest recorded shots both took place against the Washington Spirit, both times logging 21 shots in wins for URFC during the 2018 season. This year, the second-highest match was against the Orlando Pride, during which Royals FC took 17 shots. FW Amy Rodriguez, added three shots on the night, moving her into fourth place in the league with 34 shots, behind Lynn Williams (49) and Debinha (35), both of North Carolina Courage, and Sam Kerr (48) of Chicago Red Stars.
That’s Where It’s At
During Utah Royals FC’s 3-0 victory Press scored two goals, giving her 42 goals, the fifth-most all-time in National Women’s Soccer League history. Press has done so in the least amount of appearances, 20 less than the four players above her on the list, Sam Kerr, Jessica McDonald, Christine Sinclair and Lynn Williams.
Wonderful World
Rodriguez’s goal against Sky Blue was her sixth this season, tying her for the fourth-most in the league with Lynn Williams and Midge Purce. They are preceded by Sam Kerr (12), Kristen Hamilton (8) and Christine Sinclair (7). Rodriguez’s 11 all-time club goals are the most for Utah Royals FC.
You Send Me
Last Wednesday MF Lo’eau LaBonta and FW Mallory Weber recorded their first assists for Utah Royals FC. LaBonta nearly had two assists on the night, but was robbed when Sky Blue FC defender got a foot on her pass to Press, the pass still led to the opening goal for URFC. Just two minutes later LaBonta found redemption when she sent a cross in to the box from the right side of goal directly to the feet of Press who hammered it home for the 2-0 lead. Weber’s assist came at the start of the second half when she dribbled the ball down the left side of the pitch, connecting with Rodriguez through a narrow channel in the box to earn the third and final goal of the match.
A Change Is Gonna Come
Sunday’s match will mark the first time Utah Royals FC the team has played at Reign FC’s new venue, Cheney Stadium, in Tacoma, Washington. Prior to the start of the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League season the Reign announced that they would be moving from Seattle, where the team has played since the league’s creation, to Tacoma, roughly an hour south of their previous home venue. The venue is a baseball stadium that is transformed for each game into a soccer pitch.
