Stengel, a forward for the Utah Royals FC, had played every game this season without scoring a goal. By contrast, Stengel was the team’s leading scorer in 2018 with six goals.
But for 15 games, she just couldn’t get one to find the back of the net. In the draw against the Portland Thorns a few weeks ago, she had more than one good opportunity to finish, but came away empty. Since then, she’s played some of her best soccer of the season, but the only thing missing was the goal.
A shot by Amy Rodriguez during Utah’s win over Seattle hit the post, found Stengel’s left thigh, and bounced into the goal.