Sonis’ Stoppage-Time Winner Lifts Denver Summit FC Past Utah Royals, 2-1
(Centennial, CO = Won Jeong) Denver Summit FC secured a dramatic 2-1 home victory over the Utah Royals, with Janine Sonis scoring the game-winning goal deep into second-half stoppage time.
Denver entered the Aug. 8 match with Ally Brazier leading the attack centrally, while Natalie Means and Yazmeen Ryan operated on the left and right sides of the front line.
After a scoreless first half, Denver broke the deadlock in the 51st minute.
Sonis delivered the ball from the left side to Ryan inside the penalty area. Ryan controlled it with her right foot before quickly firing a right-footed shot toward the left side of the net, giving the Utah goalkeeper little chance to react.
The goal put Denver ahead 1-0.
Utah responded by increasing the pressure as the second half progressed. The Royals finished the match with an 18-12 advantage in total shots and held 53% of possession compared with Denver’s 47%.
Denver, however, was considerably more efficient in front of goal, putting six of its 12 shots on target. Utah managed only three shots on goal from its 18 attempts, while six of its shots were blocked.
The Royals’ pressure finally paid off in the 89th minute.
Substitute defender Tatumn Milazzo collected a cross from the left side inside the penalty area and fired a powerful right-footed shot into the net, bringing Utah level at 1-1.
With regulation time essentially over, the match appeared headed for a draw.
Denver had one more opportunity.
In the 90+3rd minute, Ryan dribbled near the edge of the Utah penalty area before being brought down by Nuria Rábano, giving Denver a dangerous free kick in the closing moments.
Sonis stepped up to take it.
Her right-footed strike curled toward the left side of the goal, struck the post and deflected into the net, setting off a late celebration as Denver regained the lead.
The goal was officially recorded in the 90+4th minute and proved to be the game-winner.
Just minutes after surrendering the equalizer, Denver had responded with a decisive goal of its own to secure the 2-1 victory.
The match statistics reflected two different approaches. Utah won more duels, 52-40, and recorded 15 successful tackles compared with Denver’s six. The Royals also attempted more passes, 324-287, while both teams finished with a 73% passing accuracy.
Denver, however, created the more accurate finishing opportunities. Half of its 12 shots were on target, compared with just three of Utah’s 18 attempts.
Denver also held an 8-6 advantage in corner kicks.
With the victory, Denver improved to 6-7-5 on the season with 23 points, moving into ninth place in the league standings.
Denver will next travel to California to face San Diego Wave on Aug. 14 at Snapdragon Stadium.
