Utah Royals FC vs. Orlando Pride
July 14, 2018; Rio Tinto Stadium
5:00 p.m. MT; ESPNW, 100.7 FM
UTA (5-5-6, 21 points); ORL (7-6-4, 25 points)
Player to Watch:
In her short time with the Orlando Pride, FW Sydney Leroux has become a scoring machine, registering six goals on the season. Leroux gets the ball quickly and often, already firing 35 shots this season – most from within the box. Be watching for Leroux to tag-team with teammate Alex Morgan up top for the Pride.
Matchup to Watch:
FW Amy Rodriguez vs. DF Ali Krieger. The two USWNT stars will go head to head on Saturday as A-Rod searches for her second goal of the season. Krieger, known for playing a physical style of soccer, likes to push her defensive marks high in hopes of avoiding forward runs from the attack. Rodriguez is due for another goal – will it happen this weekend against the heralded Krieger?
All-Time Record:
These teams have only met twice – and both ended in draws. Their first meeting at Orlando City Stadium was the inaugural game for the maiden team, resulting in a 1-1 draw after MF Gunny Jonsdottir volleyed a cross into the back of the net. The team then played several weeks later at Rio Tinto Stadium, but neither side was able to score, ending in zeros.
Last 5 Overall:
Orlando Pride are 2-3-0 in their last five games, taking a hard 3-1 loss against Houston on Wednesday at to Houston. Since then Orlando has played the Dash once more, losing 2-1, and N.C. Courage, falling 3-0. They have clenched two wins against the Washington Spirit – both home and away.
