Angel City FC edge Utah Royals 2-1

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Claire Emslie slots away penalty to double Angel City FC's lead

Claire Emslie slots home the penalty kick to double Angel City FC's lead after Alyssa Thompson was fouled inside the box.

Updated: Jul 5, 2024, 12:50 pm

Angel City FC secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Utah Royals on Friday at America First Field. 

Forward Sydney Leroux opened the scoring for Angel City (3-1-3) in the 17th minute with a header assisted by forward Alyssa Thompson. Forward Claire Emslie doubled their lead in the 24th minute, converting a penalty after Royals defender Olivia Griffitts fouled Thompson inside the box.

Other notable contributions for Angel City included DiDi Haracic's several crucial stops against forward Ally Sentnor and midfielder Amandine Henry late in both halves.

Griffitts received a yellow card for her foul that lead to Emslie's penalty conversion, while Angel City midfielders Rocky Rodríguez and Kennedy Fuller were also booked for bad fouls.

Midfielder Dana Foederer brought some hope back to Utah (1-1-5) with her goal in the second half, assisted by Sentnor. Despite multiple attempts from midfielders Mikayla Cluff and Henry, the Royals couldn't find an equalizer as time ran out.

For Utah's defense, goalkeeper Mandy Haught had a busy day between the posts but managed to keep further damage at bay after conceding twice early on. Defender Lauren Flynn was shown a yellow card late into stoppage time as frustrations boiled over.

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