Utah Royals FC vs. Washington Spirit
May 5, 2018; Rio Tinto Stadium
7:00 p.m. MT; KMYU, KSL.com, KSL app
UTA (0-4-1, 4 points); WASH (1-2-2, 5 points)
Player to Watch:
USWNT forward Mallory Pugh is coming to Salt Lake with two goals and one assist in five games of the 2018 NWSL season. Just twenty years old, Pugh is the youngest player to ever represent the U.S. National team for the Olympic qualifying tournaments, and the youngest player to score in an Olympic game (Rio 2016 Olympics against Colombia). In the two years that Pugh has played professionally for the Washington Spirit, she has made a total of 21 appearances and scored eight goals. URFC will have to keep their defensive shape tight this weekend to avoid a run from Pugh in the seams.
Matchup to Watch –
GK Abby Smith vs. FW Ashley Hatch. The 2017 NWSL Rookie of the year, Ashley Hatch, scored a majority of her goals last season by taking the goal keeper on within the 18-yard box. You can ensure that URFC keeper Abby Smith – who has shown exceptional skill on one versus one duels – will be looking for her second clean sheet of the season against this potent Washington attack. Spectators can watch for Abby Smith to come up big in the air and organize her backline to push the pressure away from goal.
All-Time Record –
Although Saturday will be the first time that these two teams meet, URFC head coach Laura Harvey knows the Washington Spirit all too well. Since the league’s inaugural season in 2013, Harvey has beaten the Spirit 10 times, making for a winning record of 10-4-1 against the Washington side.
Last 5 Overall –
With only one win against Orlando in March, the Washington Spirit are standing at number five on the table, with five points, and a record of 1-2-2. This includes the Spirit’s last two matches against Portland and Chicago, which both ended in 1-1 draws. The Spirit have shown similar scoring tendencies to Utah Royals FC -- demonstrating a strong ability to defend and create scoring opportunities, but difficulty in keeping a lead.