Ten Thousand Minutes
Utah Royals FC Captain Becky Sauerbrunn has logged 9,955 regular-season minutes in the National Women’s Soccer League and should she play against Sky Blue FC she will likely eclipse the 10,000-minute milestone. As of now there are only 10 players in the league’s history to reach this milestone, none of which have been allocated for the United States Women’s National Team since the league’s inception, making Sauerbrunn the first to do so. Reign FC midfielder Allie Long has reached this level, but was not allocated during the 2013-15 seasons. Since joining Royals FC Sauerbrunn has made 24 appearances and 23 starts.
Inside the Fire
Wednesday’s match will mark the third and final regular-season matchup between Utah Royals FC and Sky Blue FC for the 2019 season. In the previous two competitions each team has taken a win, making this match a tie-breaker for the win column this season. The match will also mark the first time either team has had the use of their United States Women’s National Team players as the previous two games took place during the FIFA Women’s World Cup window, meaning Utah will have the use of DF Kelley O’Hara, FW Christen Press and DF Becky Sauerbrunn, while Sky Blue will have the talents of forward Carli Lloyd at its disposal.
A Reason to Fight
Last Saturday against the Chicago Red Stars DF Maddie Nolf made her Utah Royals FC and professional debut, coming on as a substitute for FW Mallory Weber in the 90th minute. Nolf was selected No. 27 overall in the 2019 NWSL College Draft from Penn State where she made 77 appearances across four years. Prior to coming to Utah, Nolf was also a member of the United States Under-20 Women’s National Team at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Nolf missed the beginning of the 2019 NWSL season due to a hip injury and just recently returned to full training earlier this month.
Down With the Sickness
This season Utah Royals FC have received the fewest amount of yellow cards, tied with Portland Thorns FC with just nine through 14 games. In addition, Royals FC does not have a single player who has received more than one yellow card, just nine individuals who have been shown one each. Orlando Pride leads the league with 23 yellow cards, followed by Houston Dash and Reign FC. Wednesday’s opponent Sky Blue FC have only been shown 12 thus far.
Perfect Insanity
Wednesday’s match will be the first mid-week game for Utah Royals FC this season and the fifth all-time for the club. Historically Royals FC have proven to do well during mid-week matchups, boasting a 2-1-2 record with two 1-0 victories over the Washington Spirit and two 0-0 draws with Orlando Pride and Reign FC.
The Sound of Silence
On Saturday against Chicago Red Stars GK Nicole Barnhart recorded a season-high six saves, marking the second-most saves for the 37-year-old since joining Utah Royals FC. Last season Barnhart made seven saves in the club’s 2-1 victory over the Red Stars.
