Match Coverage
Break over, Utah Royals FC return to play
Utah Royals FC return home after the FIFA international window to host the Orlando Pride for another NWSL Friday evening game in Sandy, Utah.
by Cindy Lara
Match Details
Utah Royals FC vs. Orlando Pride
America First Field | 7:30pm MT
WATCH on KMYU locally (2.2 over air / 12 satellite / 643 Comcast HD) OR NWSL+
LISTEN via KSL Sports Radio (102.7 FM / 1160 AM) starting at 7:00 p.m. MT
The Utah Royals (1-1-0, 3 pts, 12th NWSL) return home with another Friday evening game, hosting the Orlando Pride (0-3-0, 3 pts, 8th NWSL) following the FIFA international break. Coming off another disappointing loss at the Washington Spirit, losing 2-1 on Sunday, March 31, Utah looks to add another win at home, much like they did when they defeated the North Carolina Courage in the second game of the season.
What we’re watching
How does the young Utah team bounce back from a loss, especially after a break? No doubt we’re seeing glimpses of potential with this team. Utah completed 85.1% of their passes against the Spirit, which is the highest in the NWSL this season. And even though they lost against the Spirit, they were within one goal to leave Washington with a point. Ally Sentnor once again found the back of the net, her second goal of the year, after scoring her first professional goal against the North Carolina Courage. Forward Brecken Mozingo also added another promising potential when she subbed in the 73rd minute and changed the game for the Royals in the attack. How much time she sees vs. Orlando could be key for Utah.
Utah does face an Orlando Pride team with three draws, scoring four goals in their past three games, and leaving with each game with at least a goal. In their last game before the international break, the Pride tied Chicago Red Stars 1-1, recording an xG of 1.9. The Pride will be expected to continue to create high-scoring opportunities and will test the Utah backline.
Score Prediction
The Royals can win games, and we saw that vs. North Carolina. Being clinical will be the game-changer between the two teams, though. If Utah can get those finishing touches right, 2-1 Royals win.
Injury Report
OUT : Imani Dorsey (SEI - achilles), Ifeoma Onumonu (ankle)
QUESTIONABLE: Carly Nelson (illness)
