Jodie Taylor was the hero Wednesday night.
The Seattle Reign forward not only assisted on her team’s opening goal, but provided the game-winner in what was possibly the most important game of the season for both the Utah Royals FC and the Reign. Her goal led to Utah’s 2-1 loss at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Wash., in a game it had to have to gain some much-needed separation in the National Women’s Soccer League playoff race.
The Royals came into the game tied in points with the Reign. But Seattle’s win gives it 34 points and puts it fourth in the NWSL. Utah, meanwhile, dropped to fifth and stayed at 31 points. Seattle also has two games left in its season.
The Royals could still mathematically catch the Reign in points by the end of the season, but Seattle now holds the tiebreaker over Utah after winning two of the three games between the two.
Undrafted rookie Bethany Balcer and Taylor scored for the Reign, while Katie Stengel found the back of the net for the Royals. It was Stengel’s second goal of the season, both of which have come at Cheney Stadium.
Utah outshot Seattle 14-10, and 8-6 on goal. It passed more accurately, won more duels and dominated possession (59.1%). But it was the Reign that finished their chances, and they did so in at the right times.
Balcer opened the scoring for the Reign in the 40th minute. After Seattle won a 50-50 ball, Taylor passed ahead to a streaking Balcer, who shot hard, low and past Royals goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart for a 1-0 lead.
Stengel found the equalizer for Utah in the 67th minute after a scramble in the box for the ball. Once it poked free, she slipped it past Reign keeper Casey Murphy and the Royals celebrated in a way that proved how important the game was for them.
But with just minutes remaining in the game, Taylor scored on a volley that presented itself because of a well-placed headed pass by Darian Jenkins. The Royals had a couple of chances to tie before the final whistle blew, but none of them were dangerous enough.
Murphy shined at goal, amassing seven saves. Barnhart finished the game with four saves.
Utah plays the Chicago Red Stars on Saturday. The Red Stars sit second in the NWSL with 41 points and are 1-1-0 against the Royals this season.
