March 24, 2018 - Orlando City Stadium
Utah Royals FC kicked off their inaugural season with the club’s first match-up against Orlando Pride. Midfielder Gunny Jónsdóttir scored Utah’s first goal in the third minute to give the Royals an advantage early in the game.
The lead would only last until the 21st minute, as Orlando was awarded a PK after a controversial handball against Becky Sauerbrunn. The handball in question came after a shot from Orlando’s Dani Weatherfold actually hit Sauerbrunn in the face. Though Laura Harvey and the Royals protested the call, the referee would not be convinced to reverse her position.