Utah Royals FC Tops California State University Long Beach 4-0
March 21, 2019 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Utah Royals FC News Release
Long Beach, California - Utah Royals FC defeated California State University Long Beach 4-0 in its first preseason game on Wednesday night. MF Gunny Jónsdóttir scored a hat trick across the span of five minutes to lead the team in the win.
URFC maintained a majority of the possession throughout the course of the game with the first strong opportunity for URFC occurring early on in the first half, as MF Vero Boquete took a corner kick that bounced around the penalty box for FW Amy Rodriguez to get a shot on target, but right to the hands of the Long Beach goalkeeper. Long Beach only created one opportunity close to URFC's goal on a breakaway but could not out race the forceful backline.
Starting the second half scoreless, URFC maintained possession and energy to keep pressing forward. In the 71st minute, MF Makenzy Doniak sent the ball in the penalty box for Jónsdóttir to finish off her head. Only a minute after, Jónsdóttir scored her second of the night from a cross sent in by DF Katie Bowen. After another short turn around and Bowen to Jónsdóttir combination, Jónsdóttir scored her third goal of the night in the 75th minute.
Long Beach was unable to answer as URFC dominated in possession and defended a clean sheet to end the match 4-0.
UP NEXT: Utah Royals FC will face the USC Trojans in its second preseason game ?on Saturday, March 23. The afternoon kickoff in Long Beach, California is set for ?1:15 p.m. MT.
GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN:
URFC: Gunny Jónsdóttir, 71st minute: Makenzy Doniak sent a cross in from the left side over to Jónsdóttir head for the finish.
URFC: Gunny Jónsdóttir, 72nd minute: Katie Bowen served the ball from the right side for Jónsdóttir who connected with the first-time shot to score her second of the evening.
URFC: Gunny Jónsdóttir, 75th minute: Bowen placed the ball off a corner kick to Jónsdóttir's head for the finish, and another Bowen to Jónsdóttir combination.
URFC: Trialist, 86th minute: After a set piece, the ball was bounced back and forth as Raisa Strom-Okimito snuck behind the backline, leaving her wide open to receive the ball, and finish the shot past the goalkeeper to the far post.
Match: Utah Royals FC vs. California State University Long Beach
Date: March 20, 2019
Venue: George Allen Field; Long Beach, California
Scoring Summary 1 2 F
Utah Royals FC 0 4 4
Long Beach State University 0 0 0
Lineups:
Utah Royals FC: Nicole Barnhart (Abby Smith 46'); Brittany Ratcliffe (Taylor Lytle 79'), Becky Sauerbrunn, Samantha Johnson (Gaby Vincent 65'), Maddie Nolf (Michelle Maemone 46'); Erika Tymrak (Mandy Laddish 46'), Lo'eau LaBonta (Raisa,Strom-Okimoto 74'), Vero Boquete (Desiree Scott 46'), Gunny Jónsdóttir (Alexandra Kimball 76'), Amy Rodriguez (Katie Bowen 46'); Christen Press (Makenzy Doniak 46')
• Discuss this story on the National Women's Soccer League message board...
National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 21, 2019
- Utah Royals FC Duo Called to U.S. Women's National Team for Two April Friendlies - Utah Royals FC
- North Carolina Courage Set to Play Orlando Pride in Friendship Cup - North Carolina Courage
- Utah Royals FC Tops California State University Long Beach 4-0 - Utah Royals FC
- Pride Trio Named to USWNT Roster for Pair of Friendlies - Orlando Pride
- Three Washington Spirit Players Named to U.S. WNT Roster for 2019 April Friendlies - Washington Spirit
- Five NC Courage Players Called to US National Team Roster for Friendlies against Australia and Belgium - North Carolina Courage
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Utah Royals FC Stories
- RSL Forced to Settle for 0-0 Home Draw Against Defending MLS Cup Champion Columbus
- RSL's Aaron Herrera Called up to USMNT for Friendly
- Real Salt Lake Announces Departure of Utah Royals FC General Manager Stephanie Lee
- Utah Soccer LLC Transfers Ownership of Utah Royals FC to Group in Kansas City, Kansas
- Utah Royals FC Receives Allocation Money in Exchange for Kelley O'Hara