Trailing 2-0, frustration mounted and sweat dripped from brows of exhausted players as a full-court press for goal began with the focus shifted to a singular initiative -- to equalize. The final whistle book-ended the loss and the season for Utah Royals FC, signifying the ending of a tumultuous year. But easily overlooked was the history made in the 66th minute when Michele Vasconcelos was substituted on for Brittany Ratcliffe.
Debuts, by any means, are worth noting, but for Vasconcelos in particular the significance is greater. The forward was born and raised in Sandy, Utah, growing up in the shadows of Rio Tinto Stadium, state championships and youth matches were played on the very pitch that is home to the best in the state of Utah.