ORLANDO, Fla. – (Saturday, April 27, 2019) – Utah Royals FC (2-0-0, 6 points) earned its second consecutive 1-0 victory to open the 2019 season, this week topping the Orlando Pride for the first time in four matches over the last two seasons.
FW Christen Press scored her first goal of the season and GK Nicole Barnhart made four saves to earn the clean sheet and lift URFC to victory on the road at Orlando City Stadium.
Maintaining the majority of the possession throughout the first half, URFC dictated the pace of the game and eventually found the go-ahead goal through Press’ curling effort to put the visitors ahead in the 19th minute. As Orlando chased the equalizer, the match opened up which created more chances for both sides. Barnhart stood strong in goal for Royals FC, commanding her box to help keep the Utah side up 1-0 at the half.
Through the first 25 minutes of the second stanza, URFC again controlled possession and nearly doubled its lead after a wonderful volley from Press nearly beat Orlando goalkeeper Haley Kopmeyer from 23 yards. Orlando nearly equalized on a free kick from Marta in the late stages of the match, but her effort from 19 yards out missed just over the crossbar and Utah held on for the victory.
UP NEXT: URFC will now welcome the Chicago Red Stars to Rio Tinto Stadium on Friday with kickoff set for 7:30p MT.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
URFC: Christen Press (Michelle Maemone), 19th minute: A floated ball to the top of the area from Maemone was brought down beautifully by Press. With time to settle and turn at the top of the area, Press curled a left-footed shot from 18 yards into the far bottom left corner of the net.
NOTES:
- FW Christen Press notched her first goal of the 2019 season, scoring in the 19th minute to put Utah Royals FC ahead. Additionally, URFC rookie DF Michelle Maemone recorded her first professional assist by playing provider to Press’ opening goal.
Match: Utah Royals FC at Orlando Pride
Date: April 27, 2019
Venue: Orlando City Stadium; Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 4,640
Weather: Sunny and 80 degrees
Scoring Summary:1 2 F
Utah Royals FC 1 0 0
Orlando Pride 0 0 0
UTA: Christen Press (Michelle Maemone) 19’
Lineups:
Utah Royals FC (4-2-3-1): Nicole Barnhart; Katie Bowen, Rachel Corsie, Becky Sauerbrunn, Michelle Maemone (Katie Stengel 46’); Desiree Scott, Gunny Jonsdottir; Vero Boquete, Amy Rodriguez (Erika Tymrak 77’), Lo’eau LaBonta (Kelley O’Hara 57’); Christen Press
Subs not used: Abby Smith, Samantha Johnson, McKenzy Doniak, Mandy Laddish
Orlando Pride: (4-3-3): Haley Kopmeyer; Ali Kreiger, Alanna Kennedy, Shelina Zadorsky, Carson Pickett; Emily van Egmond, Dani Weatherholt (Marisa Viggiano 83’), Rachel Hill (Camila, 59’), Marta, Chioma Ubogagu (Joana Boyles 72’); Alex Morgan
Subs not used: Kristen Edmonds, Morgan Reid, Bridget Callahan
Stats Summary: ORL / UTA
Shots: 15 / 17
Shots on Goal: 4 / 6
Saves: 5 / 4
Corner Kicks: 10 / 5
Fouls: 12 / 8
Offside: 2 / 4
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
ORL – Alanna Kennedy (caution) 40’
UTA – Katie Bowen (caution) 87’
ORL – Carson Pickett (caution) 90’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Jon Freemon
Assistant Referees: Jennifer Garner, Deleana Quan
4th Official: Janessa Gunn
