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It’s game three for Utah Royals FC in the NWSL Challenge Cup as they prepare to face OL Reign. The club will look to continue the momentum of their past two games, a draw after coming back from a 3-1 goal deficit to earn a point versus the Houston Dash and a 1-0 win versus Sky Blue FC on Saturday, to remain unbeaten.
Match Details
Utah Royals FC (1-0-1)
vs. OL Reign (0-1-1)
When: Wednesday, July 8 | 10:30 AM MT
Where: Zions Bank Stadium | Herriman, UT
Live Stream: CBS Sports All-Access
Radio: ESPN 700
Utah vs. OL Reign FC 2019 meetings: 3
- June 28, 2019 - Rio Tinto Stadium
Reign FC 2; URFC 0 - August 11, 2019 - Cheney Stadium
URFC 3; Reign FC 1 - September 24, 2019 - Cheney Stadium
Reign FC 2; URFC 1
All-Time Series Record: 1-4-1
Head Coach: Farid Benstiti
Last Year’s Finish: 10-6-8, 4th overall (lost in semifinal against NC Courage)
Key Players In: Alana Cook, Sofia Huerta, Yuka Momiki, Shirley Cruz
Key Players Out: Megan Rapinoe (DNP), Steph Catley, Shea Groom, Bev Yanez
Player to Watch: Darian Jenkins, Allie Long
Utah Royals FC can continue unbeaten
When the tournament began, there was doubt that Utah Royals FC would not do well in this tournament. So far, they have exceeded expectations, remaining unbeaten and holding the number three spot in the tournament’s standings, and with their 3-5-2 formation, focusing on getting numbers up the field in the attack, and the midfield maintaining possession, the team has been successful to score goals.
We saw how well Harrington’s plan can work on Saturday as Utah’s offense kept the Sky Blue FC defense on alert, while maintaining a clean sheet. It’s been a good start for Utah, with its veterans Amy Rodriguez and Vero Boquete leading.
Boquete spoke on the team’s direction after their 1-0 win:
“We try to improve every day. During the tournament, we have to grow as a team and we’re trying to do that as a team. The players that’re coming off the bench are doing a fantastic job, and the team spirit is great. We’re really united, and we’re playing for each other, and that’s what we’re going to do the rest of the tournament.”
Facing an OL Reign team that has struggled their past two games, failing to score goals, URFC may continue their unbeaten streak before facing a tougher team, the Chicago Red Stars.
Utah Royals FC Injury Report
OUT: Desiree Scott (Personal)
During Tuesday’s media Zoom call, Utah Royals head coach Craig Harrington said Kelley O’Hara would be available. They want to be sure they manage her health properly, however.