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Utah Royals FC did more than win a playoff game Friday night.
Kiana Palacios scored in the 30th minute, and the Royals made the goal stand up as they earned a 1-0 victory in the first playoff game in club history, beating the host San Diego Wave FC in the NWSL quarterfinals.
The result also opened the NWSL playoffs with a major upset, as the Wave entered the bracket as the No. 2 seed and the Royals as the No. 7 seed. San Diego was riding a seven-game unbeaten streak and had won all six previous meetings against Utah.
Aside from the goal, San Diego dominated the match. The Wave held advantages in shots (16-8), shots on target (5-2), corner kicks (10-3) and possession (63%-37%).
But Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn made four saves to preserve the lead. Utah will next play the winner of Sunday’s match between third-seeded Washington and No. 6 seed Portland.
–Field Level Media
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