Game at a Glance: URFC vs. POR
Utah Royals FC 0, Portland Thorns FC 2
May 25, 2018; Portland, Oregon; Providence Park
Utah Royals FC (2-2-5, 11 points); Portland Thorns FC (4-3-3, 15 points)
Woman of the Match
FW Amy Rodriguez is this week’s Woman of the Match after leading the team in shots (3) and creating multiple big chances in Portland’s attacking third – two of which were in the last five minutes. A-Rod also played her first full game since tearing her ACL in 2017, going the full 90+ after a year-long rehab. The USWNT striker brought a new spark to the squad after going down by two late in the second-half. Her fight and drive to get the crew back into the game has qualified Amy Rodriguez for URFC’s Woman of the Match.
Telling Stat
Mirroring the last time these two teams met at Rio Tinto Stadium, possession was near equal, with Utah owning the majority time on the ball at 52% (Portland at 48%). Both teams also got eight shots on goal, with the Thorns leading the “On-Target” category with five. The only category where the two teams differ by great margins is in corner kicks, with Portland registering seven, and Utah with just one. These statistics demonstrate how even the match-up was – with the home-side capitalizing on opportunities inside the box.
What You Missed
The atmosphere and soccer were incredible for fans at Providence Park, characterized by smoke bombs, full-stadium chants, and waving flags.
For spectators watching from home, the game included a tough Becky Sauerbrunn, who dove in front of a Tobin Heath shot to block it with her face. Minutes after denying the Thorn’s goal, Sauerbrunn split open the skin above her eyebrow to win a head ball. The gushing wound required stitches, but the URFC captained wrapped her head with black injury gauze to finish the game.
So, What:
The team continues to have a tough road ahead as they travel to New Jersey for the second of a four-game road campaign. This upcoming week of training will be key for the squad to regroup and prepare for their upcoming match against Sky Blue – the only winless team in the NWSL. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, at Yurcak Field. You can catch the action on KMYU, the KSL TV app, or on local radio station ESPN700 AM.
