June 22, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Utah Royals FC News Release
ORLANDO, Florida – Utah Royals FC (2-11-1, 7 pts, 14th NWSL) suffered its 11th defeat in the club’s maiden NWSL campaign in a heavy 6-0 hammering at the hands of Orlando Pride (9-0-5, 32 pts, 1st NWSL) at Inter & Co Stadium on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Striker Barbra Banda got the hosts off to a flying start close to the half-hour mark, in the 27th minute. Kerry Abello received the ball high up the field in the Utah half and released a whipped cross into the box that found Banda at the back post who managed to evade her marker and plant a header past Mandy Haught and into the net to establish a lead for the hosts.
Midfielder Summer Yates, doubled the Pride’s lead in the first minute of injury time after an error at the back from the Royals. In the 45th minute, Agnes Nyberg was caught out of possession, with her back to the field as URFC tried to play out from the back, by Yates, who delivered a sublime chip over an onrushing Haught and into the back of the net.
Legendary Brazilian striker Marta extended the lead at the start of the second half. Fullback Brianna Martinez found time and space to drive down the right flank and deliver a cross into the penalty box which was well cleared by Kate Del Fava. However, the rebound from the clearance fell kindly at the feet of Marta who took a first touch before unleashing a low left-footed thunderbolt beyond the reach of Haught.
Another turnover and error in defense from URFC then gifted the Pride their fourth goal of the contest. Capitalizing on a turnover in the 86th minute, Banda seized upon a misplaced pass by Madison Pogarch deep in the Utah half and went through one-on-one against Haught before taking a touch to round the URFC goalie and tap into the empty net.
Four quickly turned to five two minutes later, with Marta grabbing her second goal of the tie. Banda was once again played through in behind the Royals’ defense on the right flank and drove into the penalty box before laying it off for Marta who took a first touch to create separation before rifling in an effort past Haught and into the top right corner.
Midfielder Ally Watt netted the host’s sixth and final goal of the contest deep into stoppage time. Banda, once again, found space down the right flank and delivered a floating cross into the area that found Watt who took a touch to bring the ball down before arrowing an effort into the top left corner.
The loss puts…