Utah Royals FC 1, Orlando Pride 0
Three defenders didn’t bother Christen Press.
The striker maneuvered around three different Orlando Pride defenders to net the lone goal for the Utah Royals FC. Utah has featured now in two NWSL matches, with the first two results being victories. Meanwhile, the Orlando Pride are looking for their first NWSL win of the season, after dropping three matches and drawing one.
What control from @ChristenPress!
0-1 | #ORLvsUTA | https://t.co/STsLwLcM5N pic.twitter.com/wwlQgYeNue
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 27, 2019
After Press’ goal gave the Royals the lead, Orlando pushed hard for a potential result. Orlando took 15 shots, with four registering on goal. However, Royals FC goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart denied attempts from Alanna Kennedy, Rachel Hill and Marta.
Meanwhile, Haley Kopmeyer had a busy night in goal for Orlando. Kopmeyer entered the match as a last minute starter, as Ashlyn Harris was pulled from the starting lineup with an injury she sustained during warmups. Kopmeyer made her first start of the 2019 season, making saves against Gunny Jónsdóttir, Amy Rodriguez, Katie Stengel and Press.
Tonight’s contest was the last time the U.S. Women’s National Team internationals will feature at the club level until after the FIFA World Cup. Orlando will likely be missing Ashlyn Harris and Alex Morgan the next couple months, while Ali Krieger’s national team status is up in the air. As for the Royals, Becky Sauerbrunn is expected to make the trip to France, while Kelley O’Hara works her way back to fitness.
Sharp header by @AlannaKennedy, but @nbarnhart secures.
0-1 | #ORLvsUTA | https://t.co/STsLwLcM5N pic.twitter.com/rmf7vArM0S
— NWSL (@NWSL) April 28, 2019
Without their U.S. Women’s National Team players, the Royals and Pride will have other players — and potentially new, younger players — step up in their shoes.
The Royals will feature at the Rio Tinto Stadium against the Chicago Red Stars on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET. The Red Stars were supposed to feature tonight against the Reign FC, but the match was postponed due to inclement weather in Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Pride will have an extra day of rest, as they will feature on Sunday against the Houston Dash at BBVA Compass Stadium at 6 p.m. ET.
Goal Summary
- Utah Royals FC (Christen Press, 19′)
— Rachael McKriger
