Royals Take Early Lead On Penalty Kick Goal By Rodriguez

SANDY, Utah – The Utah Royals had some early chances at goal against the Orlando Pride, but Amy Rodriguez’s penalty kick goal in the 31^st minute finally put Utah up 1-0.

It was Rodriguez’s fourth goal in as many games for the Royals.

The penalty was drawn after Utah’s Vero Boquete was brought down on a hard tackle in the box by Orlando’s Bridget Callahan. After Rodriguez was sent to the spot for the kick, she calmly booted a right footed shot into the top right portion of the frame to give the Royals an early lead.

Haley Kopmeyer didn’t muster much of an effort as Rodriguez’s shot was just too good.

ARod aiming and firing 🎯🔥 pic.twitter.com/PWv8cMRnOi

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) May 26, 2019

The Royals have gotten off to a great start to the 2019 season, with a record of 3-1-1 going into the match with Orlando. With 10 points, the Royals sit in a tie for third place in the NWSL standings, behind the Chicago Red Stars and Portland Thorns FC.

The Royals are also heavily shorthanded as many of their star players are away from the team on international duty in preparation for the Women’s World Cup. Most recently, midfielder Desiree Scott was named to Canada’s squad earlier in the day on Saturday.

The match between the Utah Royals and the Orlando Pride can be streamed live on KSLSports.com or on the KSL TV app.