REAL SALT LAKE WOMEN 0, SO CAL CRUSH FC 2

OREM, UT - The Real Salt Lake Women (0-1 UWS West) squared off against visiting newcomers So Cal Crush FC (1-0 UWS West) to kick off the Summer 2017 season on a beautiful Saturday night at Clyde Field on the campus of Utah Valley University, just south of Salt Lake City. Though the hosts kept a good portion of the possession and managed several shots, they were unable to break down the Crush FC defense while the visitors made the most of their scoring opportunities for the 2-0 road win.

After a few minutes settling down and finding the rhythm of the match, RSLW began to put pressure on the So Cal defense. The home side nearly had an opening goal in the 12th minute when a pass from midfield sprung forward Jessica Vanderveur in on a 1-on-1 with Crush FC goalkeeper Adriana Maldonado (three saves). Her shot beat the keeper but not the post and the ball was cleared away. The So Cal defense was also strong on this night, blocking many shots.

The visitors took the 1-0 lead in the 38th minute when a giveaway fell to Crush FC forward Nancy Avesyan. She used her speed to breakdown the defense and play a pass to midfielder Hailey James, who was unmarked to slot home past Real keeper Becca Ritchie. The second half saw RSL hold the run of play, though So Cal did settle into the match. Real Salt Lake continued to work to find the equalizer and nearly had it in the 69th minute. Midfielder Wesley Hamblin dribbled around Maldonado but her shot off was cleared off the line. 

So Cal found their insurance goal in the 82nd minute, with a RSLW giveaway in the defensive half seeing defender Jordan Schultz play Janelle McGee in on Ritchie. The Trinidad and Tobago international finished her chance nicely for the final 2-0 score line. Real Salt Lake would win the corner kick battle (7-2).

About United Women’s Soccer (UWS): UWS is a national women’s soccer league sanctioned by U.S. Soccer through the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA). UWS is a professionally operated league created for teams that meet high minimum standards. The season runs from May until the end of July, culminating in a National Championship match. The UWS player pool is comprised of college players, aspiring & former professionals and international stars. You can follow UWS on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media can contact UWS Director of Communications Jorma Kansanen by e-mail at Press@UWSSoccer.com. You can visit the league’s official website at UWSSoccer.com. Interested team applicants can contact League Commissioner Joe Ferrara, Jr. by e-mail at Joe@UWSSoccer.com.