July 20, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Utah Royals FC News Release
SEATTLE, Wash. – Utah Royals FC (0-1-0, 0 pts) kicked off the inaugural NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup with a narrow 1-2 defeat away against Seattle Reign (1-0-0, 3pts) at Lumen Field on Friday.
In the second meeting between the teams in as many weeks – the first being a 1-1 draw back on July 9 where Ally Sentnor scored a breathtaking individual effort – winger Cameron Tucker scored URFC’s sole goal in the contest to cancel out Olivia Athens’ opener for the hosts, with an assured, confident finish off a rebounded shot from inside the penalty area.
In the Royals’ second game under new interim coach, Jimmy Coenraets, the team delivered yet another brave, promising performance in the face of notable absences of several starters such as USA U-20 Captain and NWSL Rookie of the Year candidate Sentnor, veteran Amandine Henry, Macey Fraser and Ify Onumonu, all away on Olympic international duty.
The Royals featured a brave new innovative tactical approach in the game that helped the team dominate the central areas for the majority of the first half and much of the second, finishing the game with more possession, as well as more shots and passes. 52 percent possession, 11 total shots, and 407 passes.
Tucker’s equalizer in the 45th minute represented the 25-year-old’s second goal for URFC this year, now making her the team’s joint second top scorer alongside Kate Del Fava, and one behind Sentnor who remains the team’s top scorer with three goals this year.
Rookie Cristina Roque also made her Royals and NWSL debut in goal in place of world-class goalkeeper Mandy Haught, who was rested for this match. URFC on Wednesday also announced the signings of three National Team Replacement players Ellie Boren, Danielle O’Brien, and Shaelan Murison, who all also made their Royals debuts in the game, all coming in as late-minute substitutes as the Royals chased a late equalizer.
The Royals return home to continue its inaugural NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup campaign with an exciting next game against Portland Thorns at America First Field on Saturday, July 27. URFC will be looking to banish the painful memories of tonight’s loss and truly kickstart its Summer Cup campaign with a win. Kickoff for this contest is 8 PM MT.
UTA 1 : 2 SEA
GOALSCORING SUMMARY:
SEA: Olivia Athens (Penalty) 43′: URFC conceded a penalty two minutes before halftime when Dana Foederer was adjudged to have clipped the heels of…