August 24, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Utah Royals FC News Release
SANDY, Utah Utah Royals FC (3-11-3, 12 pts, 13th NWSL) defeated Bay FC (6-11-0, 18pts, 8th NWSL) 2-1 in front of 14,539 fans, the second-largest crowd in the Return of Royalty trailing only the seasoner opener back on March 16th.
Utah Royals FC returned back to NWSL after a six-week Olympic international break hosting expansion sister Bay FC. URFC’s starting XI welcomed newcomer Mina Tanaka on the right wing along with Claudia Zornoza pairing alongside Spaniard Ana Tejada in the midfield.
Both sides fared even in the first half deadlocked at 0-0. Entering the locker room both sides fired eight shots, with two on target, Bay holding the edge in possession over Utah holding 59 percent over URFC’s 41.
Captain Paige Monaghan started the half off with a bang for the hosts firing a shot from the left wing to the near post for her first goal of the NWSL regular season. Monaghan’s goal marks the eighth goal the Royals have scored from outside the box, three more than than any other NWSL side.
Tanaka added to the Royals lead forcing an own goal thanks to Bay FC captain Emily Menges sending the ball into her own net after a deflection from the keeper. The Samurai Blue added another goal line clearance to her Royals resume before being subbed off in the 61′ for Canuck and URFC newcomer Cloe Lacasse.
Bay FC showed life late in the match, narrowing the deficit courtesy of Racheal Kundanaji’s goal in the 89′, her third of the year.
With 10′ of added time indicated by the fourth official a series of stops including a goal line clearance from Zoe Burns sealed the win for the hosts, the first under Interim Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets. URFC now holds a three-match unbeaten streak in league play.
The Blue and Gold hit the road for two matches, the first taking place next Saturday, August 31 at Houston Dash. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. MDT with broadcast available on ION tv. URFC eyes a late playoff push sitting only six points behind the current playoff line.
UTA 2 : 1 BAY
GOAL-SCORING SUMMARY:
UTA – 49′ – Paige Monaghan (Ana Tejada): Coming out for the second 45 pushing to establish momentum in front of a packed America First Field, it would take just four minutes for the Royals to break through. As Mina Tanaka harassed a Bay FC defender deep in unfriendly territory, her pressure resulted in a deflection that sent it back to Ana Tejada in the midfield. Noticing her captain alone in space…