SANDY, Utah (Wednesday, August 8, 2018) - Utah Royals FC (7-6-7, 28 pts, NWSL 6th place) kept their playoff surge going with their second victory in four days, beating the Washington Spirit 1-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium. FW Katie Stengel scored her second consecutive game-winning goal in the 74th-minute, pushing the team forward into the playoff chase.
Royals GK Nicole Barnhart made her third straight start, and picked up her second shutout on the season. DF Rachel Corsie also played an integral role in registering the clean sheet, using her body to block Washington's most dangerous attempt of the evening.
The win puts Utah Royals FC just a single point behind the last playoff spot, currently held by Portland Thorns. Two of Utah's remaining four games will be played at Rio Tinto, hosting the Seattle Reign on Saturday afternoon.
UP NEXT: The Utah Royals remain at home for a quick turn around match up where it will play host to Seattle Rain. The game is set to kick off at 1:30 p.m. MT from Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
UTA: Katie Stengel (Taylor Lytle), 74th minute: MF Taylor Lytle made a pass up forward from the half-line, which FW Diana Matheson dummied over leaving the ball the roll to the feet of FW Katie Stengel. Stengel took the given opportunity to take the low one-touch shot to put away the winning goal.
KEY SAVES AND DEFENSIVE STOPS:
WAS: Aubrey Bledsoe, 12th minute: After Royals FW Katie Stengel found her opening in front of the away goal, she blasted her shot towards the left side of the net, which Bledsoe dived to meet, deflecting the ball out wide.
UTA: Rachel Corsie, 92nd minute: Utah Royals DF Rachel Corsie makes another come-from-behind block, as Spirit MF Taylor Smith turned in the center box and readied her shot for what seemed sure to be the equalizer. As Smith fired the shot, Corise placed herself in the way, block the goal, and keeping the shutout going.
NOTES:
- FW Katie Stengel's game-winning goal was her fifth goal of the season. Stengel now leads the Utah Royals FC in goals scored.
- GK Nicole Barnhart made her third straight start for the Royals and with her performance in front of the net, picked up her second shut out in her URFC career.
- Utah Royals playoff push remains alive and well after picking up the crucial three points over Washington Spirit. The Royals are now one point below Portland Thorns, who sit just above the playoff line in 4th place.
Match: Utah Royals FC vs Washington Spirit
Date: August 8, 2018
Venue: Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah
Attendance: 8154
Weather: 91 degrees with sunny skies
Scoring Summary 1. 2. F
Utah Royals FC 0 1 1
Washington Spirit 0 0 0
UTA: Katie Stengel (Taylor Lytle) 74'
Lineups:
Utah Royals FC (4-2-3-1): Nicole Barnhart; Rachel Corsie, Samantha Johnson, Sidney Miramontez, Rebecca Moros; Christen Press (Becky Sauerbrunn, 79'), Katie Stengel, Gunny Jonsdottir, Lo'eau LaBonta, Erika Tymrak (Taylor Lytle, 65'); Amy Rodriguez (Diana Matheson, 73')
Subs not used: Brittany Ratcliffe, Katie Bown, Abby Smith, Katrina-Lee Gorry
Washington Spirit (3-4-1-2): Aubrey Bledsoe; Tori Huster, Estelle Johnson, Rebecca Quinn; Taylor Smith, Mallory Eubanks, Andi Sullivan, Whitney Church, Rose Lavelle (Meggie Howard, 46'); Ashley Hatch, Mallory Pugh (Cali Farquharson, 31') (Caprice Dydasco, 73')
Subs not used: Joanna Lohman, Francisca Ordega, DiDi Haracic, Havana Solaun
Stats Summary: UTA/WAS
Shots: 18 / 4
Shots on Goal: 8 / 0
Saves: 0 / 7
Corner Kicks: 4 / 0
Fouls: 3 / 5
Offside: 0 / 1
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Timothy Ford
Assistant Referees: Maggie Short, Kali Smith
4th Official: Hamed Sadeghi
