Bay FC’s winless streak reached 11 matches when the Utah Royals scored a 2-0 victory at PayPal Park on Saturday night.
The loss snapped a two-game unbeaten streak and dropped Bay FC (4-11-7) to 13th place in the 14-team NWSL. Bay FC was looking to tie a club record with three consecutive non-losses.
Rather than bemoan Bay FC’s missed opportunity in front of 10,798 home fans, head coach Albertin Montoya gave credit where it was due, including his own team.
“I have to give Utah a lot of credit, they were clinical in those two chances they had and that was tough for us,” said Montoya. “But the team played with so much heart and desire. It’s so easy to give up in games like this when so many things are going against you, and I give them so much credit because I adore this group. They fight to the end and that’s very impressive.”
Bay FC nearly scored in the opening minute, as defensive pressure by midfielder Dorian Bailey in the midfield forced a Utah turnover just after kickoff. An errant ball played towards the visitors’ backline was intercepted by forward Karlie Lema charging towards goal, but her attempt toward the left post was deflected out of bounds for a corner kick.
Danish international Janni Thomsen opened the scoring in the seventh minute. After Paige Monaghan switched the ball wide, Thomsen took a touch into the box and blasted a low shot into the far corner. Monaghan now has a goal or an assist in five consecutive matches.
Aisha Solórzano scored her first NWSL goal and Utah won its third in a row. The Royals (5-11-6) set a team record with a seven-match undefeated streak. Even with the impressive form, the Royals sit 12th in the standings and eight points behind the playoff line.
On her 17th appearance for the Royals, Solórzano made it 2-0 in the 18th minute. After her initial shot was blocked, Solórzano finished from a tight angle at the near post and became the first Guatemalan player to score in the NWSL.
Bay FC’s Penelope Hocking made her return from injury in the contest, entering as a substitute in the 66th minute and helping her club push for a goal as time ticked down.
Royals’ forward Lara Prašnikar came off the bench in the 54th minute to make her league debut, making her the Slovenian to play in the NWSL.
Utah rested starting goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn and handed rookie Mia Justus her second appearance. Justus finished the match with seven saves including an acrobatic double-save in the 58th minute and registered the first clean sheet of her professional career.
Originally Published:
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