Utah Royals defeat Portland Thorns in the Summer Cup

Women's soccer is becoming more and more vibrant, and the match between the Utah Royals and the Portland Thorns in the Summer Cup NWSL x Liga MX Femenil left nothing to be desired. The Royals' 3-1 victory was a spectacle of goals, saves and excitement. What could have been just another group game turned into an event worth remembering.

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Just three minutes into the game, Hannah Betfort opened the scoring for the Royals. The striker, a newcomer to the team, showed her service and scored her first goal in the blue and gold jersey. The ball came from a precise cross by captain Paige Monaghan, and Betfort didn't waste it, firing a first-time shot into the back of the net. This lightning strike not only gave Utah the early lead, but also equaled the record for the fastest goal in the club's history, showing that Betfort had arrived with everything.

The home side didn't let up and continued to press. In the 21st minute, it was newcomer Ally Sentnor's turn to shine. In a quick transition move, Monaghan released Sentnor, who advanced through the middle of the pitch with skill, dribbled past the opposing defender and shot with precision into the corner of the goal. It was Sentnor's fourth goal of the season, and she is becoming more and more outstanding.

The first half was dominated by the Royals in every respect. With 15 shots against only 2 from their opponents, 8 of them on goal, the statistics clearly showed the home team's superiority. Possession was also slightly in favor of the Royals, who were able to manage the lead well until half-time.

In the second half, however, Portland Thorns came back with a different attitude. Controlling possession and putting pressure on the Royals' defense, it seemed that the away team was determined to turn the game around. In the 66th minute, Olivia Moultrie narrowed the gap for the Thorns in a move of skill and precision. Taking advantage of a defensive error by the Royals, Moultrie made a quick move to get rid of her marker and shot into the corner, with no chance for the goalkeeper. This goal rekindled Thorns' hopes and brought a new lease of life to the game.

But it was really the Royals' game. Michele Vasconcelos put an end to any hopes of a Portland comeback. In the 76th minute, after a fine move initiated by Ana Tejada, who was playing out of her usual position, Vasconcelos struck a shot. The ball deflected off a Thorns defender and went in, sealing the score at 3-1. It was the first goal of the season for Vasconcelos, who celebrated with great emotion.

Portland tried to fight back in the final minutes, but the Royals' defense, with Kaleigh Riehl and goalkeeper Mandy Haught, had an inspired night. A spectacular save by Haught in the last few minutes ensured that the lead remained until the final whistle.

This victory not only put the Royals in a comfortable position in the competition, with the same three points as the Thorns and Seattle Reign, but also gave interim coach Jimmy Coenraets his first win in charge. Coenraets highlighted the attitude and determination of his players. “Where we're at right now, it's more about attitude, and just making sure that attitude gets us as far as possible in the game,” Coenraets said. “I think that's what they showed.”