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Utah Royals humiliate Tijuana with historic win in Summer Cup

In a gala display, Utah Royals win 5-1 to top Group A of the Summer Cup

By Izabelle Franca

Jul 31, 2024; Sandy, UT, USA; The Utah Royals FC players huddle up after the game against Tijuana at America First Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2024; Sandy, UT, USA; The Utah Royals FC players huddle up after the game against Tijuana at America First Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
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Utah Royals FC dominated Club Tijuana in impressive fashion, securing a thumping 5-1 victory in the group stage of the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, held at America First Field. This victory not only catapulted the Royals to the top of Group A with six points.

The game started with a scare for the Royals, as Tijuana's Aisha Solorzano opened the scoring after just three minutes. It was a lightning strike, taking advantage of a defensive lapse that recalled an earlier episode in the club's history. However, the Utah Royals' response was overwhelming. In the 20th minute, captain Paige Monaghan tied the game with a precise shot, her first goal in the blue and gold. This goal set the tone for the rest of the match, showing that the Royals were not willing to give in easily.

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In the 44th minute, Hannah Betfort extended the lead with a powerful low shot, securing the lead for the Royals before the break. The third goal came shortly after the start of the second half, with Ally Sentnor scoring her fifth goal of the season. The precision and confidence shown by Sentnor was a spectacle in itself, reaffirming her crucial role in the team.

But the real star of the night was rookie Brecken Mozingo, who scored her first professional goal in the 64th minute, followed by another in stoppage time at 90+5. Mozingo shone brightly, showing impressive maturity for a rookie. Her performance was crucial in sealing a historic victory for the Royals, who now lead the group with a goal difference of +5.

The game was a real show of strength for the Utah Royals, who now advance to the next stage of the tournament. Coach Jimmy Coenraets hopes to capitalize on the team's momentum to get back on track in the NWSL.

"It's about getting the right people on the ball at the right time. If you can do that against other teams. If we get these things ready for the (NWSL) competition, then we'll see what happens".

Utah Royals still have a friendly against Crystal Palace Women's on August 16, followed by a return to the NWSL, where they will be looking to close the gap on the playoffs. The match against Bay FC, scheduled for August 23 at America First Field, will be crucial for the team's aspirations this season.

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