The Utah Royals pulled ahead to second place in the NWSL Challenge Cup with in a 1-0 win over Sky Blue FC on Saturday.
After pressuring throughout the opening half, the Royals burst out of a hydration break to net the only goal of the match in the 41st minute. Midfielder Vero Boquete sliced a ball between two defenders to set up striker Amy Rodriguez to tap in a point blank shot past the keeper.
Utah entered the tournament dogged by questions about their ability to pose an offensive threat without star striker Christen Press and Canadian midfielder Desiree Scott.