With the international break over, time for a rematch. Big game today between Utah and North Carolina. Can the Royals get the job done this time and hand the Courage their first loss this season?
For obvious reasons, I hope this doesn't happen today. Need the NC unbeaten run to continue so that Seattle's record falls. Looks like all the Royals came back from international duty with a clean bill of health. Only the usual suspects out for today.
Royals lineup: Smith Bowen Corsie Sauerbrunn Moros Scott Gorry Gunny Matheson A-Rod Stengel Interesting that Elby isn't even on the bench today. With all the trade drama going around, could she possibly be on the move?
Big area of concern has to be Bowen at RB. NC likes to focus their attack on the left with Hinkle and Dunn, so she could be in for a very long afternoon. Could force D-Math back on defense more than she'd like as well.
Paul Riley foregoing the jacket again. It must be hot in Cary. Hopefully when Round 3 is in Utah, it'll be cool enough for him to wear it.
I'm guessing that Gorry was told to cover on defense for Bowen, because she has been all over Hinkle every time Hinkle is going forward.
Good idea by Gorry to go for the shot from that distance. She has hit some bullets from range before.
Had the news of a 3 way trade between Chicago, Houston, and Utah confirmed. Elby is one of the players on the move. Ratcliffe is also speculated to be moving teams. A typical NC game, then. With the exception of two weeks ago, NC usually gets a higher volume of chances than their opponent. The problem is converting said chances.
Fun fact: this is the third time in just over a week where Thorsnes and O'Sullivan's teams are playing each other. Both were involved in the two Norway/Ireland matches over the break.
WOWW!! 94th minute Royals goal ! Ratcliff has scored 2 goals this season. Both on the road at NC!! Royals win!!
Congratulations. That was one hell of a goal by Ratcliffe to knock off the Courage. Y'all deserved this one.
That’s very nice of you, but I disagree about the result. NC kept banging shots off of the bar. A draw was the appropriate outcome.
Disagree. This result is exactly what can happen when one team doesn't take advantage of their chances. This has been coming for a while for NC, and y'all finally did it.
So, more good news. With Chicago and Portland drawing, Utah jumps to 4th. And a potentially huge addition on the way in the very near future.
That steal and goal from Ratcliffe are both amazing. She was so quick after the steal in turning around for the shot - very impressive. .@brit_ratcliffe is out here, scoring goals in stoppage time and ending streaks. This is one GIANT goal for @UtahRoyalsFC. #NCvUTA | #NWSL pic.twitter.com/uNOoYPsTDy— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 17, 2018