Utah Royals edge Bay FC 2-1 as Monaghan scores

Updated: Sep 5, 2024, 03:04 pm

The Utah Royals, led by Paige Monaghan's early second-half goal, secured a 2-1 victory over Bay FC at America First Field on Friday. The win improves the Royals' record to 3-3-11 (12 points), while Bay FC falls to 6-0-11 (18 points).

Monaghan opened the scoring in the 48th minute with a right-footed shot from outside the box that found the bottom left corner of the net, assisted by Ana Tejada. Just seven minutes later, an own goal by Emily Menges doubled Utah's lead.

Bay FC responded in the 83rd minute when Racheal Kundananji headed home a cross from Rachel Hill to cut Utah's lead in half. Despite several late attempts, including shots from Asisat Oshoala and Alyssa Malonson that were blocked or missed their mark, Bay could not find an equalizer.

Mandy Haught was solid between the posts for Utah Royals with multiple saves throughout both halves. On offense, Hannah Betfort had several close chances but couldn't convert them into goals.

For Bay FC, Katelyn Rowland was ultimately undone by defensive lapses and misfortune. Deyna Castellanos contributed with her playmaking abilities but couldn't break through Utah's defense consistently enough.

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