In less than two days, Utah Royals FC will kick off their inaugural home opener against the Chicago Red Stars at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. The Saturday, April 14, match is set to take place at 1:30 p.m. MT, and is expected to host a full house of gold jerseys and cheering fans. While the upcoming game has been highly-anticipated by both the team and the Utah soccer community, it’s not URFC’s first rodeo. The team returns to Utah after two difficult, but promising road games against the Orlando Pride, and the Houston Dash, both ending in ties.
With just two days left before the inaugural home game, here’s some things you need to know about the Utah Royals FC’s last two road matches.
1.
Utah Royals FC vs. Orlando Pride, 1-1 DRAW
On March 24, the NWSL’s newest team debuted against league powerhouse, the Orlando Pride, at Orlando City Stadium, tying 1-1. Mf Gunny Jonsdottir scored the historic first goal in club history as the Utah side took the lead in third minute. MF Diana Matheson received the ball on the right side of the attacking third, took a touch, and sent a bending ball to her forwards on the top of the sixth. Gunny, reading the cross, darted in front of the Orlando backline just in time to reach the descending ball and volley it past Orlando GK Ashlyn Harris. The highlight-reel goal was voted the NWSL goal of the week just three days later via fan votes.
Late into the second-half, Orlando equalized when a shot from Pride’s Dani Weatherholt hit DF Becky Sauerbrunn in the face. The center official awarded a dubious hand-ball to the home-side, leading to the controversial penalty kick goal by Brazilian soccer star, Marta. The two teams battled for the remainder of the match, with URFC GK Abby Smith making two saves to preserve the 1-1 score line.
Key Notes from Match 1:
- DF Becca Moros made the Utah club’s historic “first touch” at the start of the match, while Jonsdottir’s goal and Matheson’s assist also made history.
- Both of Utah Royals FC’s fellow professional teams under the Claret-and-Cobalt club umbrella also earned valuable road points in their inaugural matches: Real Salt Lake drew 0-0 at Giants Stadium in April, 2005 against the MetroStars, while Real Monarchs SLC drew 0-0 at LA Galaxy II in March, 2015.
- Two players, both from Scandinavia – Jonsdottir and Thorsnes – made their NWSL debuts.
At a Glance: UTA / ORL
Shots: 6 / 7
Shots on Goal: 2 / 3
Saves: 0 / 0
Corner Kicks: 0 / 0
Fouls: 9 / 14
Offside: 0 / 0
2.
Utah Royals FC vs. Houston Dash, 0-0 DRAW
Just six days after their NWSL debut, on March 30, Utah Royals FC flew south to BBVA Compass Stadium, to take on the Houston Dash, ultimately tying at zeros. Registering the first shut out for the club, the Utah side kept Houston from shooting a single shot on frame. First-half opportunities for MF Gunny Jonsdottir included a dangerous free kick on top of the box that was tipped just over the bar. Super substitutes Brooke Elby, and Erika Tyrmak, also found game-winning chances in their 2018 debuts, but were unable to capitalize.
While points on the road are difficult to come by, the dominating play by URFC made the Houston duel a difficult game to swallow. By the end of the 90 minutes of play, Utah Royals FC possessed the ball almost twice as much as Houston (66%, to Houston’s 34%). Harvey’s team retained a majority of their possession in the back with defenders Becky Sauerbrunn and Rachel Corsie holding steady in front of the box.
Key Notes from Match 2:
- Three players made their URFC debut, with DF Sydney Miramontez getting the start on the backline. NWSL veterans MF Lo’eau LaBonta and MF Erika Tymrak also played their first minutes in the 2018 NWSL season, making club debuts in the second half.
- Through 180 minutes of road action at ORL/HOU, the fledgling URFC side has conceded just one goal, on the disputed & controversial Marta penalty against Orlando in the week prior.
- Six URFC players - Smith, Sauerbrunn, Corsie, Scott, Jonsdottir & Matheson - have appeared in all 180 minutes of the club’s existence, while 17 players have seen action thus far.
At a glance: UTA / HOU
Shots: 10 / 7
Shots on Goal: 6 / 0
Saves: 0 / 0
Corner Kicks: 0 / 5
Fouls: 5 / 10
Offside: 4 / 4
