After initially meeting in their home opener on March 24, Utah Royals FC and the Orlando Pride will face each other again on Wednesday.
Both teams drew 1-1 in their first-ever matchup, as Pride forward Marta Vieira da Silva scored from the spot to match a third-minute goal by midfielder Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir.
Now, the two teams are in different forms. The Pride (2-2-2) are riding a three-game unbeaten streak that includes their first two wins of 2018. As for the Royals (1-1-4), they, too, are on a three-game unbeaten streak and have recently claimed their first win of the year, a 2-0 decision over the Washington Spirit on May 5.
Here’s what to expect from Utah when the Pride travel for their fourth road game of the season. Orlando is currently 1-2-0 on the road.
Kickoff between Utah and the Pride is at 9 p.m. The game will be broadcast on go90.com.
Utah Offense Operates without Go-to Scorer
The Royals have, so far, scored six goals in six games, the same total in as many games as the Pride. Utah’s scoring, however, derives from six different players, each contributing a goal.
Jónsdóttir, midfielder Diana Matheson and forwards Kelley O’Hara, Brittany Ratcliffe, Amy Rodriguez and Katie Stengel have all scored for Utah. Of those six, Matheson, 34, and Rodriguez, 31, have each tallied an assist, too.
And with six appearances, five starts and 386 minutes, Matheson has played more for Utah, but Rodriguez has been more efficient in less time. In four games and two starts, Rodriguez has totaled just 159 minutes.
Jónsdóttir has played every minute of every Utah match, so far, tying her with four other teammates at 540 minutes.
Defense Has Kept Royals from Losing
Though Utah has worked its way to only sixth place in the early-season standings–one spot behind the Pride–its defense has proved to be among the league’s best.
The Royals are one of three teams in the National Women’s Soccer League that has allowed only five goals, so far. Second-place Seattle Reign FC, which has played five games, and the first-place North Carolina Courage, who have played seven games, are the other two teams.
So far, the most goals Utah has allowed was two in a draw with North Carolina on April 21.
Utah’s stout defense is a product of a combination between goalkeeper Abby Smith and her defense. Smith has recorded the seventh-most saves (10) in the NWSL, so far, and Utah’s defense has helped her record two clean sheets.
Royals Draw with Best Teams in NWSL
Though not high in the NWSL table, Utah has shown it can still match up with the best in the league. Two of Utah’s draws come against top-four teams: the Courage and fourth-place Portland Thorns FC.
One week after the Royals drew with North Carolina, they drew 1-1 with Portland on April 28. Utah has also scored two of the five goals against North Carolina, so far, this season.
The Royals’ lone loss comes in a 1-0 decision against the third-place Chicago Red Stars on April 14.
For more on the Pride, as they take on Utah for their second game of a three-game road stint, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.
