Here are three major takeaways from the Utah Royals FC’s trip up to Portland to face the Thorns in their opening match of the 2020 NWSL Fall Series.
The flirtation with three in the back appears to be over
Throughout the Royals five-match run in the 2020 Challenge Cup, adapting to playing with three defenders in the backline was a constant and persistent theme. With only 6 regular time goals allowed across those matches, and 3 of those occurring in the first match back after the long winter and virus layoff, the defensive drawbacks were limited allowing Elizabeth Ball and Kate Del Fava to emerge as important newcomers on the backline.