Claudia Zornoza helps Utah top Houston to extend unbeaten run

Field Level Media|published: Sun 1st September, 24:17 2024

Aug 31, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Utah Royals FC defender Ana Tejeda (17) makes a play for the ball against the Houston Dash during the second half at Shell Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Claudia Zornoza had one goal and one assist to lift the Utah Royals over the host Houston Dash 3-1 on Saturday night, extending Utah's unbeaten streak to four matches.

In the 55th minute, Zornoza scored from the penalty spot after a foul on Cloe Lacasse that was originally called outside of the 18-yard box. After a VAR review, the foul was ruled to occur on the edge of the penalty area, giving Utah (4-11-3, 15 points) a 2-0 lead.

Five minutes later, Zornoza won possession in the defensive half of the field and found Paige Monaghan charging down the left side of the field. Monaghan dribbled into the penalty area and shot across the face of goal and into the right-side netting to push the Royals' lead to 3-0.

Ana Tejada scored her first goal of the season in the 44th minute, starting the scoring for Utah.

Down 3-0, Andressa got Houston (3-10-5, 14 points) going. Utah goalkeeper Amanda Haught charged the Brazilian goal scorer, but a late touch freed Andressa, giving her an open net. The goal ended the Dash's six-match scoreless skid.

With the win, Utah leapfrogged Houston, which is now in last place in the NWSL standings.

--Field Level Media

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