After a disappointing 2-2 result in New Jersey on Saturday that required a comeback from a 2-0 deficit, Utah Royals FC continued their east coast road trip against Washington Spirit. It was stressed all week that this game was a must-win if the Royals were to keep their playoff hopes alive. A win against the Spirit would propel them to fourth place, jumping over Chicago Red Stars and Orlando Pride, at least until Saturday’s batch of games, but it would keep them in contention.
Again, Laura Harvey decided for rotation in her lineup, giving Nicole Barnhart the start over Abby Smith, her sixth start of the season, and starting Katie Stengel at center midfield, who played for the Washington Spirit in 2016 and 2017 before being waived by the Spirit in June of 2017.