Forward Katie Stengel forced a game that was slipping out of the Utah Royals’ control to go their way.
She pushed her way into the box with all North Carolina jerseys surrounding her. When she missed the first chance, she pushed forward again and headed home the equalizer.
Stengel’s goal gave the Royals an even footing in the beginning of the second half, paving the way for a 2-2 draw against North Carolina at Sahlen’s Stadium Saturday.
“That goal was clutch,” said Royals forward Brittany Ratcliffe. “We needed that to get back in the game.”
Utah had been trailing since the sixth minute of the game, when Courage defender Merritt Mathias won the ball off a corner kick and one-timed a shot into the net from distance.