Castain's brace leads Utah United to win in W League playoff opener
Seven Castain notched a brace as the league’s leading scorer helped the first-year expansion side to a 2-1 win over FC Olympia at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, California.
By: Utah United media services
STOCKTON, Calif. — Utah United’s inaugural season continued to make waves in the opening round of the USL W League playoffs Friday.
Seven Castain notched a brace as the league’s leading scorer helped the first-year expansion side to a 2-1 win over FC Olympia at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, California.
It’s the first-ever playoff win for Utah (10-1), which won the USL W League’s Mountain division in their first season in the league.
Castain scored her 18th and 19th goals of the season, a mark that leads the league’s Golden Boot race that included a goal just six minutes into the match.
Taylor Rath made a pair of saves for Utah United, including a free kick stop to open the second half before Ginny Lackey pulled one back in the 55th minute to equalize for Olympia (7-3-1), the three-time reigning Northwest division champions.
But Castain did it again, finishing a shot from inside the penalty area from Lilliah Blum to put the Utah side ahead for good and into Sunday’s Western Conference finals.
SCORING SUMMARY
6’ — UTA: Seven Castain: Castain ran on to a long ball over the top of the defense to the center of the pitch before giving United the early advantage with her 18th goal of the season.
55’ — OLY: Ginny Lackey: The Sun Belt Conference player and freshman of the year at James Madison equalized on a quick buildup play, pulling the Artesians level with her 11th goal of the season.
85’ — UTA: Seven Castain (Lilliah Blum): Castain broke through for the match-winner with five minutes left in regulation, finding a through ball from Utah rising junior Lilliah Blum to send the Utah side through.
NEXT UP
Utah will face Stockton Cargo SC, which beat Santa Clarita Blue Heat 2-1 in the other semifinal, Sunday in the Western Conference final. Kickoff from St. Mary’s High School in Stockton, California, is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. MT and can be streamed live on Sportsengine Play.
