2019 Royals Player Profiles: Desiree Scott

If there is anyone on the roster for Utah Royals FC who depicts pure consistency, it’s Desiree Scott. Scott was another one of the Royals who were fortunate enough to make their respective nations World Cup rosters.

Scott missed a handful of games in June and July for the World Cup, but apart from her absences there, she didn’t miss a single match for the Royals in 2019. She played the full 90 minutes and started 17 games in 2019.

In addition to her successes for her club, Scott found some success with the Canadian National Team at the World Cup.

Canada did make it out of their group, beating Cameroon and New Zealand, though they ultimately lost in the round of 16. They lost to eventual third-place finishers, Sweden, to end their tournament. Scott started each of Canada’s four World Cup matches as well.

Before leaving for the World Cup and upon her return, Scott was solid in Utah’s midfield. She didn’t ever have the flashy assists or the wild goals, but she was consistently dominant at stopping opposing team’s attacks. Scott’s season in 2019 was very similar to her season in 2019, she was a veteran presence in the midfield who was reliable to stop what was being thrown at her.

In 2019, Scott was able to focus on being more of a defensive midfielder with the addition of Vero Boquete to the roster, which helped sure up Utah’s defense and is a part of why Utah finished the season tied for the second best goals allowed rate in the league with the Spirit, beaten only by North Carolina.

In addition to competing in her third World Cup and finishing yet another season as a pro, Scott was added to the Canada West Hall of Fame in 2019. Scott is expected to return in 2020 as an allocated player.