Paige Monaghan's 1st goal of season helps Utah edge Bay FC

Field Level Media|published: Fri 23rd August, 23:57 2024

Aug 23, 2024; Sandy, Utah, USA; Utah Royals FC defender Kate Del Fava (8) heads the ball against Bay FC forward Asisat Oshoala (8) during the second half at America First Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Creveling-USA TODAY Sports

Paige Monaghan scored her first goal of the season early in the second half to help lift the Utah Royals to a 2-1 victory over Bay FC in Sandy, Utah, on Friday night.

Utah (3-11-3, 12 points) beat Bay FC for the second time this season and is unbeaten in four of its past five regular-season matches. The Royals earned the victory after tallying at least two goals in a regular-season match for just the second time this season.

Bay FC (6-11-0, 18 points) also lost to Utah 1-0 in June.

Bay FC dominated possession and had a 19-11 edge in total shots. Those advantages did not show up on the scoreboard.

Racheal Kundananji nearly broke the ice for Bay FC in the 18th minute. Kundananji intercepted an attempted clearance by Mandy Haught and blasted the ball past the goalkeeper. Her goal was waved off though because the ball struck Kundananji's hand before she booted it home.

Utah struck first shortly after halftime, taking the lead on Monaghan's goal in the 48th minute. Monaghan settled a long pass from Ana Tejada, curled around a defender outside the top of the box, and blasted the ball across the line.

A Bay FC own goal extended the Royals' lead to 2-0 in the 55th minute. Mina Tanaka fired a shot into the 6-yard box. The ball was blocked by Katelyn Rowland and deflected off the arms of Emily Menges and across the line.

Kundananji scored in the 83rd minute on a cross for Bay FC's only goal.

--Field Level Media

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