NWSL Utah Royals FC

Utah Royals FC Continues NWSL Challenge Cup Saturday against Sky Blue FC

Published on July 3, 2020 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Utah Royals FC News Release


SANDY, Utah - Utah Royals FC is set to face Sky Blue FC on Saturday, July 4 in an Independence Day clash for each team's second match in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup presented by P&G and Secret. The match will kick off at 10:30 a.m. MT at Zions Bank Stadium and will be streamed live on the CBS All-Access Platform and broadcast locally on the radio on ESPN700.

After a spirited come-from-behind draw against the Houston Dash to open the tournament, Royals FC now looks to build on its first performance under Head Coach Craig Harrington. In its match against Houston, midfielder Diana Matheson notched a goal in her return to the field after missing the 2019 season due to an injury, while midfielder Vero Boquete scored her first goal in a URFC jersey. It was rookie striker Tziarra King who played the hero when she notched her first professional goal in her first professional appearance to draw the match level and help the club to a point from its opening match.

Against Sky Blue FC, URFC holds a dominant all-time advantage over the New Jersey club, carrying a 4-1-1 record since 2018. The two sides met in August of last season at Rio Tinto Stadium where the home side claimed an emphatic 3-0 victory over the visitors.

How to Follow Utah Royals FC vs. Sky Blue FC - Saturday, July 4, 2020

-Coverage Begins: 10:30 a.m. MT

-Local TV: N/A

-Digital Streaming: CBS All-Access

-English Radio: ESPN700 w/ Bill Riley (play-by-play) & Carla Swensen-Haslam (color)

-Spanish TV: N/A

URFC sees 20 players from its 2019 roster return to the club for the tournament, led by veteran striker and 2019 team-golden boot winner Amy Rodriguez. She is joined by goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart as well as the defensive core of Rachel Corsie, Katie Bowen and Kelley O'Hara along the backline. In the midfield, URFC will see Vero Boquete return for her second season in Utah alongside Gunny Jonsdottir and Desiree Scott. Joining Rodriguez to spearhead the attack is Brittany Ratcliffe who returns to action after missing the 2019 season due to injury alongside newcomer Arielle Shipp.

URFC will be without forward Christen Press as she chose to opt out of the tournament.

New faces join the squad for the condensed 2020 season as 2020 NWSL Draft picks Tziarra King and Kate Del Fava look set to make their professional debuts in Utah. A two-sport athlete at Penn State University, Marissa Sheva will feature on the roster for URFC after spending the early part of the 2020 season in the Spanish second division with Deportivo Alavés. Aminata Diallo is expected to be available for selection during the NWSL Challenge Cup.

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