Utah Royals FC vs. Chicago Red Stars
June 23, 2018; Toyota Park
6:00 p.m. MT; KMYU, KSL TV app, ESPN700 AM
UTA (4-2-5, 17 points); CHI (3-3-7, 16 points)
Player to Watch:
Australian forward and NWSL star Sam Kerr is back in action after her successful tour with the Westfield Matildas for the Asian Cup FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Jordan. Kerr continues to be the top scorer for the Red Stars, bagging five in eight games, and playing almost every minute since returning from the international tour. Kerr also leads her team in shot attempts, totaling 35 – a majority of which comes from chances she creates herself on top of the box.
Matchup to Watch:
FW Amy Rodriguez vs. DF Julie Ertz. The two USWNT teammates will go head to head at Toyota Park this weekend – this time, with a completely healthy A-Rod on the attacking line. Be looking for these two to dominate the center of the field, demanding the ball to their feet, and defending the other with a display of experienced technical skill and tactics.
All-Time Record:
The first time these two teams met was on April 14 at Rio Tinto Stadium for the URFC inaugural home opener, resulting in a 0-1 loss for the home side. The two teams played well, getting shots on goal, but a stellar strike from MF Danielle Colaprico put the game away late in the first-half. Now head coach Laura Harvey on the squad will be looking for revenge against their mid-western rival.
Last 5 Overall:
In the last five games, Chicago holds a record of 1-1-3, with a 5-2 loss in late June to Orlando, and 2-0 win in the following week against the Washington Spirit. Much like URFC, Chicago has tied a majority of their matches, demonstrating a solid defense in the back.
