That’s Just the Way They Roll
Last weekend Utah Royals FC faced the North Carolina Courage on the road. The match started off strong for Royals FC with multiple opportunities created by MF Vero Boquete. In the eighth minute FW Katie Stengel made a short pass to Boquetewho then created a perfect opportunity for FW Amy Rodriguez to do what she does best, find the back of the net. From there North Carolina had many opportunities but Royals FC’s defense was able to hold them back until the 77th minute when FW Elizabeth Eddy evened up the score. Neither of the teams left with the win, but instead settled for the draw.
She’s a Kid of the Future
DF Katie Bowen will be putting her Royals FC jersey on hold as she has been selected to join New Zealand in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. This season, Bowen has appeared in every match for Utah as part of Head Coach Laura Harvey’s backline, starting in all of them. Before departing for France, Bowen will play her last game this weekend at Rio Tinto Stadium against the Orlando Pride, a team they previously beat 1-0 on April 27.
She’s Burnin’ Up, Burnin’ Up
In the last three games, FW Amy Rodriguez has struck gold on the ball. Rodriguez has found the ball at her feet, sending it into the back of the net for three goals in three consecutive games. Rodriguez currently has the most goals for Royals FC, two of which were assisted by MF Vero Boquete, who currently leads the club in assists this season.
Top to the Bottom, She’s Cool
DF Gaby Vincent made not only her Royals FC debut but her NWSL debut as well last weekend against North Carolina. Vincent was substituted on at the half when it was evident that DF Sam Johnson needed to step out of the game. Vincent is a 21-year-old from the University of Louisville, where she started at center back all four years and was captain her last two years.
This is an S.O.S
With only three goals allowed this season Royals FC bolsters the lowest amount of goals allowed in the entire league. The team has had three shutouts and has only allowed goals in two of their five games. This has to do to with their strong defensive line and GK Nicole Barnhart. Barnhart has an 80% success rate on saves and is the voice of the backline, pushing the defensive line to be as strong as they are.
