URFC Waives Kelly From Roster, and Releases 2018 NWSL Draft Pick, EJ Proctor

SANDY, UT (Wednesday, June 20, 2018) – Utah Royals FC (4-2-5, 17 pts., NWSL 4th) have released GK EJ Proctor, and waived MF Maegan Kelly – as the club’s roster continues to take shape entering the second half of the 2018 inaugural season, Head Coach Laura Harvey announced today. Monday, Utah acquired U.S. Women’s National Team FW Christen Press and DF Samantha Johnson from the Chicago Red Stars as part of a three-team trade also involving the Houston Dash. Press and Johnson are expected to arrive in Utah imminently, and could make their URFC debuts at Rio Tinto Stadium next Wednesday, June 27 in an 8:00 p.m. MT kickoff, as Harvey faces her former Seattle Reign FC side for the first time. Tickets are available at www.UtahRoyalsFC.com.

Neither Kelly or Proctor had appeared for Utah this season. Kelly arrived on the Royals FC roster from FC Kansas City, where she scored five goals in 22 appearances a year ago. Proctor, drafted by URFC in the 2018 NWSL College Draft and served as a practice player for the last four months, arrived to the NWSL for her rookie season after a successful college career at Duke University. Proctor was called up to Utah's travel roster for the 2-1 win on June 2 at Sky Blue FC in place of GK Abby Smith, who was with the U.S. National Team entering the FIFA window.

Smith and the surging Utah Royals FC have claimed clean sheets in four of her last five matches, with a 4-1-1 mark since early May to occupy fourth place in the NWSL table, having conceded only eight goals in its maiden season. Substitute FW Brittany Ratcliffe provided the stoppage-time game-winner – ultimately voted the NWSL Goal of the Week – Saturday for a 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten North Carolina to give Harvey’s side back-to-back road wins. Royals FC own a game in hand over five of the six closest pursuers for one of the four NWSL playoff spots entering this weekend.

Born less than a year ago and already supported by nearly 5,000 season ticket holders, Utah Royals FC tickets and half-season plans starting at just $60 for six games – are available by calling 844.Real.Tix or visiting www.UtahRoyalsFC.com.