Utah Royals FC headed to Providence Park on Friday night to play Portland Thorns FC on the road for the first time this season. This match was the first after Lo’eau LaBonta’s return from suspension. Vero Boquete was forced to miss this one due to injury.
Utah still was able to field an incredibly strong starting 11 despite losing Vero. Two notable differences from last week were the additions of Sydney Miramontez and Mallory Weber to the roster. This was Weber’s first time returning to Providence Park since being traded to Utah.
In the majority of this season, Utah has started games off as the better team.