Chicago Red Stars 1, at Utah Royals FC 0
April 14, 2018; Sandy, Utah; Rio Tinto Stadium
Utah Royals FC (0-1-2, 2 points); Chicago Red Stars (1-1-1, 4 points)
Woman of the Match:
In just her third game in the NWSL, Gunnhildur Jonsdottir continues to lead her team in offensive stats, holding the most shots on goal for the squad, and the only player to get a shot on frame in the last match. Against the Chicago Red Stars, Jonsdottir got on the end of three headers directed towards the frame, as well as created multiple opportunities in front of the goal– one which resulted in her getting taken down on top of the 18-yard box. The 29-year-old midfielder has been labeled by teammates and coaches as “the energizer bunny,” whose presence commands the center of the pitch. While Gunny did not get her desired goal on Saturday, game heat maps exemplifying an immense willingness to get the ball into the attacking third.
Telling Stat:
The first important stat was the near equal possession percentage between the two teams. Over a 90 minute period, the Utah Royals FC possessed the ball for 51% of the time, compared to Chicago’s 49%, demonstrating a near even match for URFC against one of the top teams in the league. Yet while URFC maintained possession of the ball, their difficulty in finding shots on frame is telling of the score line. Out of 25 shots in the last three games, only nine have been on frame, and only one has found the back of the net. Against the Chicago Red Stars, Gunny was the only player to fire a shot on target.
What You Missed:
The atmosphere at Rio Tinto Stadium was incredible – both for the spectators and team. With over 19,000 screaming fans, the second largest non-Portland crowd in NWSL history, the environment was one of energy and excitement for URFC’s inaugural home opener. This historic game also welcomed back USWNT forward and star, Amy Rodriguez, who had not played since April of last year due to an ACL tear (363 days – but who’s counting?). Adorned in gold jerseys, fans rose to their feet as number eight took the pitch as a late-game substitute.
So What:
There is still a lot of time for this new team to regroup and get the points they need for the play-off run at the end of the season in September. Laura Harvey now has one week to prepare for her upcoming match against the 2017 NWSL runner-up, N.C. Courage, who has demonstrated to have the most potent attack so far in the 2018 season. The team will travel to Cary, North Carolina, this weekend and is set to kick at 1:30pm MT. You can catch the match on Lifetime TV, or on ESPN700.
