Utah Royals FC shocks Portland Thorns to keep playoff dreams alive in a dramatic win

Utah Royals FC won a big game against Portland Thorns, keeping them well on track for NWSL playoff aspirations. Opening with a disciplined and tactical performance, the Royals had controlled much of the first 45 minutes of action, possessing well and creating more chances than their opponent.

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Uncontested Dominance

Utah Royals came into the match knowing they needed a result to keep their postseason aspirations alive, and thus began determinedly. They enjoyed an overall dominating possession with 61 percent to dictate the pace of the game and completed far more passes than Portland Thorns at an 85 percent passing accuracy rate.

In headliner order, Ally Sentnor returned to the team after captaining the U.S. in the U-20 World Cup. Young forward, hit the post first half and was constantly on the fronts of Portland's defense for much of the match. It showed clear signs of what she brings to the squad, giving a new spark to the Royals' offense.

Also returning from injury was goalkeeper Mandy Haught, who almost had an immediate effect. Often called upon when her team was under pressure, she was forced to make two critical saves in the first half to shut Portland out. Returning her provided stability at the back, which was crucial for a Thorns side hoping to see off early dangers.

Chaos and Decision

The second half began frenetically. Within seven minutes, the game saw three goals, a testament to how resilient the Royals were. First was through the hands of the former Portland Thorn, Hannah Betfort, in the 47th minute, her first appearance in Providence Park since she left. The combination was lethal with Ally Sentnor-one that surely felt so good for Betfort.

Within a few minutes, the Royals extended their lead. During the 50th minute of the game, Mina Tanaka, one of the newest signings at the club, managed to capitalize on a rebound from a free kick which hit the crossbar. Her diving header made Utah Royals sail comfortably at 2-0, and it looked like the team was cruising towards a comfortable victory.

But the Portland Thorns were not over and out. Immediately after the second Royals' goal, Portland gained a penalty to mount a comeback. Olivia Moultrie, one of the rising stars on the team, coolly slotted home as Portland cut the lead down to 2-1. It was the eighth penalty conceded by Royals this season, which may raise their backline concern. Nevertheless, the team kept their cool and withstood the pressure from Portland in the dying minutes.

Defining Utah Royals: Resilience

If there is one word describing Utah Royals at this stage of the season, then it has to be resilience. This is a team that has really learned how to control games and-most importantly-adapt to pressure despite going through so much. Key players like Mandy Haught and Ally Sentnor return with some much-needed power, but it was the cohesion and teamwork that finally seemed to make all the difference.

This win also showed that when the Utah Royals FC score first, that team becomes different. The unbeaten record of 6-0-1 when taking the lead is evidence of that. In such a case, the team becomes more confident once they get ahead; they become well-organized at the back and disciplined, like we saw in this win over Portland.