ORLANDO, Florida – (Saturday, August 17, 2019) – Utah Royals FC (8-6-3, 27 points) scored two goals from FW Amy Rodriguez and FW Christen Press to defeated Orlando Pride for the third time in the 2019 regular season.
Despite pressure from both sides the scoreline remained 0-0 through the first half. Utah Royals FC’s best chance at goal came in the 29th minute when Press sent a pass to an oncoming Rodriguez who was able to outrun Orlando defender Ali Krieger to get a shot on target. Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was able to get a foot on the shot, deflecting it into the post.
In the 60th minute Press was able to break through the Pride’s line of defense when MF Lo’eau LaBonta served a pass in over the backline. Press volleyed the ball directly at goal to record her sixth goal of the season and her fifth in the last four games.
Utah continued to maintain the pressure through the end of the match and Rodriguez almost recorded a brace in the final moments when she sent a rocket of a shot to the arms of Harris.
The victory marked the team’s third in a row and the eighth shutout this year thanks to a save in the first half from GK Nicole Barnhart.
UP NEXT: URFC concludes it’s three-game road stretch, facing the Washington Spirit on Wednesday, August 21 at Maryland SoccerPlex, with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m. MT.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
UTA: Christen Press (Lo’eau LaBonta) 60th minute: Lo’eau LaBonta chipped a pass over Orlando Pride’s defense to Christen Press. In receiving the pass Press volleyed the ball straight to goal. Orlando goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris got a hand on the shot but was ultimately unable to keep the ball out of the back of the net, breaking the stalemate.
UTA: Amy Rodriguez (Vero Boquete) 77th minute: After receiving the ball in the defensive half of the field, Vero Boquete ran the ball down the length of the midfield and sent a pass in between two Orlando Pride players to the feet of Amy Rodriguez. Taking several touches towards goal, Rodriguez chipped the goalkeeper to score her eighth of the season, tied for the second-most in the league.
NOTES:
- The match marked the third and final time Utah Royals FC will face the Orlando Pride in the 2019 regular season.
- For the third-consecutive game MF Lo’eau LaBonta played a hand in a goal for URFC, assisting FW Christen Press’ sixth goal of the season.
- FW Amy Rodriguez recorded her eighth goal of the season, tied for the second-most in the league.
- With her assist, MF Lo’eau LaBonta has had a hand in three goals in three games, with two assists and one goal.
Match: Utah Royals FC vs. Orlando Pride
Date: Aug. 17, 2019
Venue: Exploria Stadium; Orlando, Florida
Attendance: 5,279
Weather: Overcast and 85 degrees
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Utah Royals FC 0 2 2
Orlando Pride 0 0 0
UTA: Christen Press (Lo’eau LaBonta) 60’
UTA: Amy Rodriguez (Vero Boquete) 77’
Lineups:
Utah Royals FC (4-4-2): Nicole Barnhart; Mallory Weber, Becky Sauerbrunn ©, Rachel Corsie, Katie Bowen; Vero Boquete, Katie Stengel (Gunny Jónsdóttir 67’), Lo’eau LaBonta, Desiree Scott; Amy Rodriguez (Erika Tymrak 90+2’), Christen Press (Makenzy Doniak 87’)
Subs not used: Abby Smith, Sydney Miramontez, Michelle Maemone, Gaby Vincent
Orlando Pride (4-3-3): Ashlyn Harris ©; Kristen Edmonds, Ali Krieger, Erin Greening, Shelina Zadorsky; Joanna Boyles (Dani Weatherholt 72’), Rachel Hill, Alanna Kennedy; Chioma Ubogagu (Alex Morgan 68’), Marisa Viggiano (Abby Elinsky 81’), Claire Emslie
Subs not used: Haley Kopmeyer, Morgan Reid, Bridget Callahan, Carson Pickett
Stats Summary: UTA / ORL
Shots: 15/13
Shots on Goal: 9/1
Saves: 1/7
Corner Kicks: 6/4
Fouls: 3/6
Offside: 2/1
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
ORL: Kristen Edmonds 63’ (caution)
OFFICIALS:
Referee: Malik Badawi
Assistant Referees: Walter Heatherly, Tiffini Turpin
4th Official: Anya Voigt
