Utah Royals: Holding Steady
Last Wednesday, May 9, Utah Royals FC drew scoreless against their newly-developed rival, the Orlando Pride, at Rio Tinto Stadium. Both teams created chances to score in the box – on dangerous set-pieces and throughout the run of play -- but neither was able to convert. URFC continued to uphold their reputation as one of the best defenses in the NWSL, with GK Abby Smith earning her third clean sheet of the year. The team was able to contain a potent Orlando attack that included USWNT star Alex Morgan, and international phenom Marta, but was it enough to move them up in the power rankings? Check out the report for week 7 and share your thoughts below.
NWSL
http://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/#week-7-power-rankings-big-wins-for-the-courage-reign-and-pride-earn-this-weeks-top-spots- 6
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Last week: 6
“Utah Royals FC earned their fifth draw of the season on Wednesday with a 0-0 result against the Orlando Pride. Utah’s best chances came from forward Katie Stengel as the game drew late, but the game was an even battle. Utah got to breathe this weekend and will next host the Dash on Saturday.
URFC will now play their final home game of the month on Saturday, May 19, against the Houston Dash at Rio Tinto Stadium. The last time these two teams met, URFC held the Dash to zero shots on frame, and dominated the run of possession (66%, to Houston’s 34%) – but ended in a scoreless tie. Laura Harvey now returns to the RioT in search of victory before kicking off a four-game road campaign in June. You can catch the match on Lifetime TV’s “Game of the Week” at 1:30 p.m. MT, or listen to it on local radio station ESPN700 AM.
