With the team starting the year 3-0, L.A. faithful were also hopeful. But it’s the Royals fans who came out on top tonight, with the club earning their fourth win in a row, a franchise record.
The contest was physical and in your face, and the conduct record shows it– four yellow cards were handed out, and Maiara Neiheus was sent off in first-half stoppage.
Despite Angel City’s relentless press, the lone goal of the night went to Cloé Lacasse in the 32nd minute. Taking a long cross from Paige Cronin, she headed it back to the corner to score.
L.A. started the second half a woman down, but still managed to keep the ball on the Utah side of the field for the majority of the half, leaving many to wonder what might have been.
USWNT coach Emma Hayes was also in attendance for the evening, speaking before the game and taking her turn on the bass drum in the supporter’s section. Hayes will travel to San Diego on Sunday.
The win sees Utah move up to 4th, while Angel City holds on to 8th thanks to the goal differential they racked up at the start of the season. The one bright note for the Angels is that due to schedule irregularities, they’ve only played six games, while some teams have played up to 8. Of course, that means that L.A. will be playing catch up this month, with six games to play before the 31st.
And there’s no easing into it– they face San Diego at home next Saturday. The Wave currently sit in third place, but a win on Sunday against Bay FC will put them back in the number one spot.
Utah doesn’t have it much easier– they face #7 Houston Dash at home on Wednesday. Like Los Angeles, Houston started with a perfect season, only to lose to L.A. in week three. But going 1-1-1 since then was enough to keep them just ahead on the table.
