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PORTLAND — The Utah Royals faced elimination from NWSL playoff contention with a loss in Portland on Saturday, but showed no intention of allowing that outcome.
At least not yet.
The Royals still face a steep uphill climb to a top-eight spot in the standings — sitting in 12th after a 2-1 road win at Portland — but they don't seem to mind.
Utah overcame a 0-0 halftime deadlock with a scoring explosion in just three minutes early in the second half to earn its sixth win of the season.
Ally Sentnor returned from international duty for a beautiful through ball to Hannah Betfort in the 47th minute, and the former Portland Thorn chipped the keeper for the first goal of the match.
Pure poise from Hannah Betfort 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/IJr2dKGGtu
— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) October 6, 2024
Mina Tanaka got on the end of a free kick rebound three minutes later with a diving header for her first NWSL goal and eventual winner for Utah in the 50th minute.
Portland joined in on the scoring flurry three minutes after the Tanaka goal with a penalty converted by Olivia Moultrie, but it was all the scoring in store Saturday as Utah walked out with a win.
The road team dominated the match in most statistical categories, with 55% possession, 21 total shots and nine on target for the Royals.
"If we can play every game the way we just played that one, then, hey, we can't say we didn't go out without a fight, right?" Betfort said.
Utah returns to America First Field for a match against Seattle Reign FC on Oct. 13 at 5:30 p.m. MDT.
