Royals FC Eliminated From NWSL Challenge Cup After Houston Defeats Utah In Penalty Kicks

HERRIMAN, Utah – The Houston Dash eliminated Utah Royals FC from the NWSL Challenge Cup after winning the match in penalty kicks.

The Royals and Dash played each other in the Knockout Round of the NWSL tournament at Zions Bank Stadium on Friday, July 17.

With the victory, Houston advanced to the semifinal round of the tourney.

Heartbreak. We finish our NWSL Challenge Cup run. pic.twitter.com/vTtQE3XDkv

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) July 18, 2020

Penalty Kicks

After 90-plus scoreless minutes, Houston and Utah faced off in a round of penalty kicks. The Royals were up first and missed their opening shot.

Houston responded by drilling its first PK into the back of the net.

From that point on, Utah was behind the eight ball.

The Dash score on each of their first three penalty kicks. The Royals missed two of their first three attempts. The Dash’s only miss came on the team’s fourth and what ended up being their final shot of the match.

With Houston up 3-2, Utah missed on its fifth shot and seal the Knockout Round win for the Dash.

 

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A post shared by KSL Sports (@kslsports) on Jul 17, 2020 at 9:23pm PDT

Penalty Kicks Scorecard

Utah Royals FC

MISS, MAKE, MISS, MAKE, MISS

Houston Dash

MAKE, MAKE, MAKE, MISS

NWSL History

According the National Women’s Soccer League, the match between Houston and Utah was only the second in league history to end in penalty kicks.

For only the second time in league history, penalties are coming your way 🔜#HOUvUTA | #NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/R3PrYoKtDZ

— NWSL (@NWSL) July 18, 2020

With the result, Utah was eliminated from the tournament and finished the NWSL Challenge Cup with a record of 1-3-1.