By: Javier Mico-Crump
After a dominant defensive display earned Utah Royals FC a 1-0 shutout win at Houston Dash last Saturday, the Royals return home to America First Field to host Angel City FC on Sunday, September 20. Led by Utah’s former first overall pick Ally Sentnor, Angel City comes into the matchup pushing for playoff position, while the Royals are looking to make a late run for its first NWSL Shield.
This edition of storylines highlights a new addition to the Royals’ record-breaking front line and looks into Utah’s recent history against Angel City.
Jameese Joseph Adds Firepower To Royals’ Record-Breaking Attack
On Saturday, Jameese Joseph stepped onto the pitch at Shell Energy Stadium in the 68th minute to make her Utah Royals debut. Early last week, Joseph joined the Royals from Chicago Stars FC, where she scored seven goals in 63 appearances in addition to making five appearances for the USWNT. The newcomer made an instant impact in her first appearance against Houston, playing a pass in the lead-up to Mina Tanaka’s game-winning goal just one minute after she subbed on. Joseph will get a chance to play in front of home fans in Utah for the first time this weekend, joining an electric attack that is looking to keep breaking records.
Among those with a chance to make history is Tanaka, who is currently tied with URFC legend Amy Rodriguez for the most goals scored in a single season (9). Tanaka has already broken records this season, previously passing Rodriguez for most goals in Royals history (16) with a brace against San Diego Wave on August 21. Additionally, just one assist away from history, veteran forward Cloé Lacasse will be looking to etch her name in the NWSL record books against Angel City. The Canadian international is currently tied for the most assists in a single season in league history, and on Sunday, she will have a chance to take sole possession of that record against an Angel City team that has conceded six goals in its last four games.
Sentnor Returns The Wasatch Front, This Time Dawning New Colors
Sunday will be the first time that Utah’s 2024 NWSL Draft pick Ally Sentnor plays at America First Field as a member of Angel City FC. Led by the former Royal, Angel City is currently playing some of its best soccer of the season, now on a four-game unbeaten run in which they’ve outscored opponents 13-6. During the streak, Sentnor has tallied five goal contributions, scoring three times and assisting twice since August 31.
Despite the strong form of its Californian rivals, the last matchup between these two teams should give the Royals confidence heading into Sunday’s home showdown. After failing to claim a victory in their first four encounters, Utah finally earned its first three points against Angel City back in May with a hard-fought 1-0 win. The evening’s lone goal was scored by Lacasse, who finished a pinpoint cross from Paige Cronin with a powerful header into the back of the net. The Royals will be looking to repeat that performance to pick up a crucial win this weekend.
Kickoff against Angel City FC is set for 5:00 p.m. MT on Sunday, September 20, from America First Field. Tickets to the match are available for purchase here.
URFC Next Home Match: 9/20 @ America First Field
Pups at the Pitch Night!
Get a ticket for you and your pup for URFC vs Angel City FC at home! This match also features a halftime Wiener dog race and Swig Sunday $3 drinks at America First Field!
