September 30, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Utah Royals FC News Release
“Never back down, never give up?” or so the saying goes… and the Utah Royals delivered an archetypal performance reminiscent of the famous old precept in a late, well-fought 1-0 victory over Racing Louisville at America First Field on Saturday afternoon.
Midfielder Ana Tejada netted a stunning strike from distance 12 minutes before full-time as the Blue-and-Gold kept its late push for a possible playoff spot alive with its third win in seven NWSL games, and five in 10 overall, under interim head coach Jimmy Coenraets.
The result also snaps the team’s previous three-game NWSL losing streak and places it now 10 points currently behind the playoff line with four regular season games to go in the 2024 season.
Player of the Match: Tejada Wondergoal Steals the Show
How do you steal the headlines in a football match? Exhibit A – Ana Tejada v Louisville, NWSL matchday 22, 9/28/2024. A look at her performance would most assuredly be a good way to start.
The 22-year-old midfielder was at her marauding best, yet again, as the Royals’ undisputed best performer on Saturday night, with a crucial winning goal late in the contest to keep the club’s hopes of securing a postseason berth alive. URFC’s number 17 delivered another typically committed, efficient performance at the heart of midfield, showing enviable dedication, tenacity out of possession, and impressive defensive awareness to act as a shield for her back four. The Spanish international also largely impressed with her array of skills and aptitude on the ball in offensive situations, during build-up, and in attacking phases higher up the pitch when required, as evidenced by her well-taken goal.
Late in the game, and with the clock winding down towards full time, Tejada struck. A cleared ball from the visitors’ penalty area sailed briefly through the air before settling down outside the penalty area at the feet of Tejada, who exchanged passes with teammate Claudia Zornoza, before then rifling a thunderous right-footed effort past Katie Lund and into the bottom-left corner to the sheer delight of all in attendance.
Such confidence, such skill, such composure in front of goal. Indeed, It was a special moment, as recognized by the 9,000-strong crowd in attendance including Commissioner Jessica Berman, as was the entirety of Tejada’s performance on the afternoon.
Relentless, composed, pristine. A lesson in composure, tenacity, and…