Key Transactions
While the Royals have not made any transactions as of late, they have been without U.S Women’s National Team right back Kelley O’Hara for their last three matches. New Zealand international Katie Bowen has filled that role for Utah in the time being, starting at the position since their August 3 match against Chicago.
Recent Form
After going winless for six-consecutive matches, the Royals have reeled off back-to-back victories in their last two matches. Utah shutout Sky Blue FC 3-0 in its last home match on Wednesday, August 7 and then earned a 3-1 victory at Reign FC this past Sunday.
Who’s Hot
Since returning from the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Christen Press has found the back of the net four times for the Royals, including twice last week in a 3-0 victory over Sky Blue FC to earn NWSL Player of the Week honors. Press now has five goals in the 2019 NWSL season, trailing only Amy Rodriguez’s seven which leads the squad.
Head-to-Head
The Pride hold a 1-2-2 record against the Royals in Club history, with both of those losses coming earlier this season. The Royals earned a 1-0 victory on April 27 at Exploria Stadium earlier this season before defeating the Pride 2-0 at Rio Tinto on May 15.
Rasmussen College Fun Fact
In its last match, Orlando celebrated the 100th NWSL appearance of its captain, Ashlyn Harris. Harris became the second player to hit the mark while playing for the Pride, joining teammate Ali Krieger who earned her 100th appearance in 2018. Coincidentally, Krieger’s 100th NWSL match came against this Saturday’s opponent - Utah Royals FC. Krieger hit the milestone on July 14, 2018, providing the game-winning assist on Kristen Edmond’s goal that gave the Pride a 2-1 win at Rio Tinto Stadium.
