On Saturday, Real Salt Lake broke its 13-match winless streak in convincing fashion, scoring three goals against the second best team in the Eastern Conference. Capping off the terrific night, Sergi Solans scored a brace and broke his own scoreless seven-match streak.
Cloé Lacasse scored the opening goal in the Royals 2-1 victory at home against the North Carolina Courage FC, her eighth goal and 18th goal contribution of the season.
Cece Delzer scored her long awaited 25th NWSL goal of her career, becoming the 40th player in league history to hit 25 goals. The goal also marked the fifth assist for Mina Tanaka as the Japanese international continues to impress.
"Whether it was Phil, Kobi, DeAndre, Dom, the blocks at the top of the box were huge," RSL Head coach Pablo Mastroeni commented about the defensive performance.
"Some of the moments that I liked the best was the build and being consistent in the build. I think one place where we could be more deadly is creating more chances off of the build," Utah Royals Head coach Jimmy Coenraets spoke about what he liked about his team this weekend.
On Saturday, Real Salt Lake beat the New England Revolution 3-0 in its first win in MLS play since its 2-1 win versus Colorado on May 16. The match also secured the MLS first clean sheet since May 13 against the Houston Dynamo .
In the third minute of the game, the ball ricocheted back to Aiden Hezarkhani who struck the ball cleanly with his left foot to give RSL an early lead. The goal sent the crowd into a frenzy and ended the home team's 287 minute goalless streak.
In the 63rd minute, Solans made a darting run into the penalty area before holding off a defender and applying a right-footed finish. The Rookie added a second goal when an excellent pass down the right side of the pitch found the feet of Morgan Guilavogui . The Guinean international delivered a low cross to the back post for the tap-in goal finished off by Solans. Solans has now scored 15 goals in all competitions and 11 in MLS play, which is the most in RSL club history.
Utah Royals FC completed the season sweep against the North Carolina Courage FC in a dramatic 2-1 home game that had tension leading up to the final minute. The Royals jump up to fourth place in the league and remain in the picture for home advantage for the first round of the playoffs.
In the 19th minute, Miyabi swung in a beautiful ball across the penalty area to Lacasse, who powered her header past a diving Sheridan to give the Royals the lead. Miyabi has become a pivotal part of the Royals identity this season with her bursting forward runs and playmaking ability.
A first half penalty kick was awarded to North Carolina after Nuria Rábano caught the back leg of Gianna Paul as the two entered the penalty box. After a lengthy VAR check, the center referee stuck with the decision that was converted by Ashley Sanchez for her 20th of the season.
The Royals retook the lead in the 66th minute after a threatening through ball from Mina Tanaka that found the feet of forward Cece Delzer. Delzer composed herself before firing a right-footed shot in between the legs of the Courage goalkeeper as the Royals went up 2-1.
Utah Royals FC face off against Racing Louisville on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Lynn Family Stadium with kickoff set for 2 p.m. MDT. Real Salt Lake will return from the international break against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Subaru Park with kickoff set for 5:30 p.m. MDT.
Aiden Hezarkhani (39) scores the ball. | Real Salt Lake
Cloé Lacasse (24) moments after netting the opening goal. | Real Salt Lake
Cece Delzer (5) swarmed by her teammates, Jameese Joseph (3), Mina Tanaka (11) and Cloé Lacasse after scoring her 25th NWSL goal. | Real Salt Lake
