In the last seven days, seven international stars have returned to Utah Royals FC after representing their “club and country” for FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers and international friendlies.
USA vs. China PR – International Friendly (June 7): USWNT came away with a 1-0 win against China at Rio Tinto Stadium, featuring URFC membersBecky Sauerbrunn, Amy Rodriguez, and Abby Smith. Sauerbrunn, who totals over 100 appearances for the “Stars and Stripes,” played the full 90, with A-Rod subbing in at the 76th minute for her first game back since tearing her ACL in 2017.
USA vs. China PR – International Friendly (June 12): The USWNT beat China 2-1 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Ohio, and URFC captain Becky Sauerbrunn, played the entire match. The US registered back-to-back wins & used the friendlies as preparation for their upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers in the fall.
Canada vs. Germany – International Friendly (June 10): MFs Desiree Scott and Diana Matheson both got the start in the CWNT’s match against the European power-house. Both Canadian stars played well in Canada's 3-2 loss.
New Zealand vs. Japan – International Friendly (June 9):Katie Bowen subbed into the second half of the Football Ferns’ match against Japan. Bowen was an attacking threat in the midfield when she entered the match. However, New Zealand lost 3-1 to the 2015 FIFA WWC runner-up.
Iceland vs. Slovenia – UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifier (June 11): Holding the center steady, Gunny Jonsdottir started for the Icelandic side in their 2-0 win against Slovenia at Laugardalsvollur. Jonsdottir played for the full 90, helping her team register another shut out.
Scotland vs. Belarus – UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifier (June 7): Wearing the captain’s armband, URFC center back Rachel Corsie helped Scotland earn the 2-1 win over Belarus at Falkirk Stadium. Corsie played the entire match & controlled her back line.
Scotland vs. Poland – UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifier (June 12): Rachel Corsie earned her 100th cap for the Scotland side, helping her team win against Poland, 3-2.
Norway vs. Ireland – UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifier (June 8):Elise Thorsnes helped her team bag two consecutive wins against Ireland this past week, ending the first match in a 2-0 victory. Thorsnes subbed in late in the second-half.
Norway vs. Ireland – UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifier (June 12): Thorsnes also subbed into the second leg of her qualifying campaign, helping the Norwegian side to a close 1-0 win at Viking Stadium in Stavanger – and officially kicking Ireland out of tournament play.
You can now see these international stars in action this Saturday, June 16, as URFC looks to take on the league leading N.C. Courage at the WakeMed Soccer Complex in North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. MT, and can be found on KMYU, KSL.com, or on ESPN700.
