Utah Royals make dramatic comeback vs. Houston Dash for high-scoring draw in NWSL Challenge Cup

The Challenge Cup continued Tuesday with a six-goal affair

The National Women's Soccer League continued its 2020 Challenge Cup on Tuesday as the Utah Royals made a dramatic comeback against the Houston Dash. The Royals scored twice in the final eight minutes to earn a 3-3 draw in the first game of the tournament for both teams.

Utah, which is serving as the tournament's host at Zions Bank Stadium, got a goal from Veronica Boquete in the 82nd minute to cut Houston's lead to 3-2. Tziarra King, making her NWSL debut, found the back of the net on a set piece in the 89th minute for the equalizer.

Rachel Daly scored twice for the Dash, who took a two-goal lead in the 67th minute thanks to a goal from Shea Groom.

Every game of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup can be streamed on CBS All Access.

Dash 3, Royals 3 -- FT 

⚽ Royals: Diana Matheson - 35'
⚽ Dash: Rachel Daly - 45+1'
⚽ Dash: Rachel Daly - 47'
⚽ Dash: Shea Groom - 67'
⚽ Royals: Veronica Boquete - 82'
⚽ Royals: Tziarra King - 89'

Takeaways

Houston and Utah kicked off their Challenge Cup group play today in a thrilling match. The game began with the playing of the anthem after the league announced additional options for players, including the option to not participate in pregame ceremonies. Utah and Houston had all players and staff participating in pregame ceremonies with the majority of players choosing to take a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Houston Dash: The Texas squad closed out the NWSL season in the middle of the table last year, but the Dash got off to a promising offensive start in Utah. Rachel Daly walked away on the day with a brace, and a number of offseason moves from second-year head coach James Clarkson proved pivotal Tuesday. Shea Groom notched her first goal as a member of the Dash, and fellow newly acquired Dash teammate Katie Stengel helped set up the third goal for Houston.

Utah Royals FC: Utah looked impressive early in the match as the Royals lined up in 3-5-2 format. First-year head coach Craig Harrington came out with a strong starting lineup featuring a number of veteran players like Amy Rodriguez and Diana Matheson. Those players were able to link up for Utah's first goal of the match. Spanish international Veronica Boquete  brought the Royals back within one on a brilliant set piece goal. But it was the late game equalizer from rookie Tziarra King that captivated everyone on the day.

[Jun 30, 2020 at 2:13 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

GOAL

Shea Groom with a rocket from distance as she opens her scoring account with the Dash with a goal that was set up by fellow off season acquisition Katie Stengel.