The Utah Royals made their NWSL debut on the road against Orlando. Laura Harvey’s new club would take the lead early but be denied after a controversial handball penalty against Becky Sauerbrunn.
| Orlando Pride | Utah Royals | |
|---|---|---|
| 56% | Possession | 44% |
| 7 (4) | Shots (On Goal) | 9 (3) |
| 4 | Corners | 1 |
| 418 (80%) | Passes (% Complete) | 349 (77%) |
| 50 | Challenge % Won | 50 |
| 56 | Aerial Challenge % Won | 44 |
| 56 | Successful Dribble % | 45 |
| 71 | Tackles Won % | 62 |
Woman of the Match – Shelina Zadorsky (ORL)
90% actions successful
87% passes complete
5 challenges won (of 6)
3 aerial challenges won (of 3)
2 tackles won (of 3)
13 ball recoveries
It’s just one game, but Zadorsky put in a performance that surely has the Pride looking smart after trading for the Canadian international. She helped set the attack down the left flank and put up some solid numbers defensively as well.
Shelina Zadorsky attacking passes complete
Shelina Zadorsky ball recoveries
Other Standouts:
2. Abby Smith (URFC)
Smith was perhaps a surprise starter over Nicole Barnhart for some, but she did well to repay Laura Harvey’s faith in her, with a strong effort in goal, including some nice long distribution.
3. Kelley O’Hara (URFC)
Key Stat: 7 challenges won (of 9)
While O’Hara may not have racked up crosses or attacking opportunities, her defense was on point in this one, as her challenges helped keep many of Orlando’s dangerous attackers contained.
Kelley O’Hara challenges won
4. Desiree Scott (URFC)
Key Stat: 5 tackles won, 14 ball recoveries
Scott picked up where she left off last season, doing the dirty work in midfield. Her 5 tackles won led both teams.
Desiree Scott tackles won
5. Marta (ORL)
Key Stat: 83% passes complete
Marta probably coughed it up a bit too much (team high 12 lost balls) to be on top of this list, but she was still very effective and the best Pride attacker by far.
Marta attacking passes complete
Ballon D’Nope (Minimum 30 Minutes)
- Carson Pickett (ORL)
Key Stat: 0 tackles, 2 key mistakes
Unfortunately, Pickett stuck out like a sore thumb against Utah’s right sided combo of Matheson & O’Hara. Her offensive contribution was minimal, and she was one of those at fault for not closing down quickly enough on Utah’s goal.
2. Katie Bowen (URFC)
Key Stat: 0 tackles, 1 key mistake
You generally want your defensive midfielder to tackle, and Bowen didn’t do that on Saturday night. Additionally, her marking was slack on a corner kick, letting Ali Krieger get a golden opportunity that went high.
3. Brittany Ratcliffe (URFC)
Key Stat: 9 lost balls, 6 lost challenges
Ratcliffe played both as a center forward and left-winger in this one but contributed little to the offense. Most glaringly, she coughed up the ball repeatedly in the middle third, making it difficult for the Royals to maintain attacks.
Brittany Ratcliffe challenges lost & balls lost