It took less than three minutes for the Royals to score the first goal in club history. From the right side of the field, midfielder Diana Matheson took two touches back toward her own goal, and then cut back, sending an long ball in front of the goal.
Sauerbrunn followed Weatherholt into the box, positioning herself between the Orlando midfielder and the goal. Weatherholt volleyed a shot into Sauerbrunn’s face, knocking the center back to the ground. As her head turned, her left arm flew up, which sparked the handball call.
The center official met with the assistant referees to discuss the play, but the call stood.