SANDY, Utah – (Friday, June 28, 2019) – Utah Royals FC (5-2-2, 17 points) fell 2-0 to Reign FC at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Reign FC scored twice in a five-minute span in the first half, getting goals from Jessica Fishlock in the 30th minute and Ifeoma Onumonu in the 35th minute to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Second-half substitute FW Katie Stengel gave Royals FC it’s best shot at goal in the 70th minute. MF Makenzy Doniak sent a pass to the feet of Stengel just in front of Reign FC goalkeeper Casey Murphy. After taking a quick turn in front of goal she fired off a shot that was snuffed by Murphy’s face. Over the final 20 minutes, URFC pressed to get back into the game, but could not break the staunch Reign FC defense.
UP NEXT: URFC will take a week break before heading East to take on Sky Blue FC at Yurcak Field on July 12 at 5:30 p.m. MT
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
RFC: Jessica Fishlock (Bethany Balcer) 30th minute: After intercepting the ball near midfield, Jessica Fishlock dribbled the ball down to the top of the box where she dumped it off to Bethany Balcer who took a quick touch and sent it back to the feet of Fishlock who proceeded to finish it off in the back of the net.
RFC: Ifeoma Onumonu (Jessica Fishlock) 35th minute: Jessica Fishlock sent a pass into an unmarked Ifeoma Onumonu who went one-on-one with Nicole Barnhart, juking her out to the right side to give the Reign the 2-0 lead.
NOTES:
- Utah played without (CAN), DF Becky Sauerbrunn (USA), FW Christen Press (USA) and DF/FW Kelley O’Hara (USA) due to international duty as they continue on to the semifinals at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Royals FC were also withoutDF Katie Bowen (NZL), MF Desiree Scott and DF RachelCorsie (SCO) who recently wrapped up their time in France. MF Diana Matheson also missed the match due to injury.
- Royals FC went without MF Vero Boquete for the second time this season after she suffered an injury to her right ankle against Sky Blue FC.
- After the match, Royals FC Head Coach Laura Harvey announced that Friday night’s game was the last for DF Sam Johnson. The 28-year-old defender is planning to retire and pursue other interests.
Match: Utah Royals FC vs. Reign FC
Date: June 28, 2019
Venue: Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, UT
Attendance: 6,910
Weather: Sunny and 90 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 FT
Utah Royals FC 0 0 0
Reign FC 2 0 2
RFC: Jessica Fishlock (Bethany Balcer) 30’
RFC: Ifeoma Onumonu (Jessica Fishlock) 35’
Lineups:
Utah Royals FC (4-4-2): Nicole Barnhart ©; Sydney Miramontez, Gaby Vincent, Sam Johnson, Becca Moros; Mandy Laddish (Raisa Strom-Okimoto 76’), Lo’eau LaBonta, Gunny Jonsdottir, Mallory Weber (Makenzy Doniak 68’); Erika Tymrak (Katie Stengal 60’), Amy Rodriguez
Subs not used: Abby Smith, Alexa Newfield, Meghan Cox, Michelle Maemone
Portland Thorns FC (4-3-3): Casey Murphy; Stephanie Cox, Lauren Barnes ©, Megan Oyster, Theresa Nielsen; Beverly Yanez, Jessica Fishlock (Addison Steiner 53’), Morgan Proffit; Ifeoma Onumonu, Bethany Balcer, Shea Groom (Darian Jankins 57’, Christen Westphal 89’)
Subs not used: Kiersten Dallstream, Erin Yenney, Kori Butterfield, Maegen Kelly
Stats Summary: UTA / RFC
Shots: 7/12
Shots on Goal: 2/4
Saves: 2/2
Corner Kicks: 0/8
Fouls: 5/10
Offside: 1/0
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
RFC: Shea Groom (caution) 49’
UTA: Katie Stengel (caution) 84’
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Kevin Broadley
Assistant Referees: Brooke Mayo, Melissa Beck
4th Official: Joshua Mills
