The Royals fell 2-1 to the Orlando Pride late Saturday afternoon at Rio Tinto Stadium, giving up a pair of goals after taking an early lead.
The Royals’ Amy Rodriguez chipped a shot over the outstretched arms of Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris eight minutes into the match, but the visitors tied it at the end of the first half and then took advantage of a miscue by Utah goalkeeper Abby Smith early in the second half to win the third match of the series after the clubs drew in the first two.
The Pride answered with a penalty kick in the 45th minute of the first half.