Royals Earn Third Straight Shutout Win To Remain Undefeated
May 3, 2019, 9:41 PM
Laura Seitz, Deseret News
SANDY, Utah – For the third straight game, the Utah Royals won a game with a 1-0 decision. This time it was the Chicago Red Stars who were on the losing end of a Royals victory.
Considering how heavily depleted the Royals became once it was announced that Kelley O’Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn and Christen Press would be departing the club to serve on the U.S. Women’s World Cup team.
Still, with a few adjustments, the Royals were able to collect their third straight clean sheet of the season.
Don't need to wish upon stars to make the dream happen. pic.twitter.com/PBrBA1ZUrh
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) May 4, 2019
Bernhart Stars In Win
The woman of the match was undoubtedly Royals goalkeeper Nicole Bernhart.
Early on, she showed great awareness when Chicago star Sam Kerr fired a hard shot on frame that Bernhart had to reach for with a diving save.
By the end of the match, Bernhart had made three saves, all of them could have easily been scored by the Red Stars.
Protecting our keep. pic.twitter.com/BdF8SyvPbW
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) May 4, 2019
Royals Capitalize On Chicago Red Card
Near the end of the first half, Utah caught a big break with Chicago’s Katie Johnson was given a red card for elbowing Veronica Boquete on a contested ball near midfield.
With the Red Stars forced to play with one less player, the Royals finally took advantage with a goal by Amy Rodriguez in the 84th minute.
With the win, Utah becomes the first team in the NWSL to collect three victories. The Royals’ nine points puts them in first place in the league standings.
GUNNY FINDS AROD FOR THE GAME WINNER!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/i4IRZ5Jetv
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) May 4, 2019
Next Up
The Royals will remain at home to face the Houston Dash next Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Royals matches can be streamed live on sports.ksl.com or on the KSL TV app.
