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Makenzy Doniak, who was traded to Utah Royals FC while on the injury reserve in the summer of 2018 for the rights to Heather O’Reilly, made a full recovery for 2019 after an ACL tear that sidelined her in 2018.
Doniak was never slated to be a starter, especially with a midfield roster that includes Vero Boquete, Lo LaBonta, & Desiree Scott, but for Doniak to be an impact player for URFC, it would have to be coming off the bench. And it would take a few weeks after the start of the season for her to make her debut for Royas FC. She subbed on in the 78th minute in May 11th game vs. the Houston Dash, a game that saw URFC lose 2-1.
Doniak was able to score her first goal of the season and her first in a Royals FC jersey in the 89th minute vs. Orlando Pride on May 26. It was an emotional moment goal for a player who returned from an ACL tear sustained in 2018.
Doniak’s time on the field was limited to 167 minutes in 11 appearances, earning her first start and only start vs. the Washington Spirit on June 1. For 2019, she completed 64.8% passes and won 57.1% of duels.
Doniak could have seen more playing time, but as Utah was urgent to wrap up the season strong, Laura Harvey often ignored her bench. Hopefully, next season as Doniak was offered a new contract for 2020, she can be a part of the game plan more.