No. 5 Utah is on the rise, climbing the NWSL standings on a club record four-game winning streak after Saturday’s 1-0 win over floundering Angel City.
Canada international Cloé Lacasse’s first-half strike broke the deadlock, putting the Royals on the front foot before LA midfielder Maiara picked up a red card, leaving ACFC to play out the second half down one.
“As a coach, you can be very proud of if there is a plan, and you tell the plan, and the plan has some small adaptions, and the team just wants to do it,” said Utah manager Jimmy Coenraets.
“That’s the biggest growth we’ve had since last season — being adaptable.”
The loss marked No. 8 Angel City’s third straight defeat, showing cracks in the foundation after a strong start to the season.
“If we come out in the first half like we did in the second half, I think we win that game,” said Angel City defender Emily Sams.
“That’s something that we can definitely learn from and take forward, that we don’t have to wait until we’re down a player, down a goal, to come out with that kind of intensity.”
Where to Watch Utah Royals vs. Houston Dash in NWSL Action
The Utah Royals will hunt another result on Wednesday, hosting No. 7 Houston at 10 PM ET, live on Paramount+.
