Gambone's late game-winner secures win for Legacy at #3 Utah
Sandy, UT (September 4, 2026) - The Legacy claimed three points against #3 Utah on the road Friday night, powered by an early goal from Aïssata Traoré and a late game-winner from Aleigh Gambone.
Utah came out pressing high from the opening whistle. Sarah Schupansky took the first shot for the Legacy in the 2’, but it went wide. The Royals tested Boston’s defense: a 6’ cross was cleared before finding its way back to a Utah attacker, whose effort Laurel Ivory kicked away from goal, and a deep strike in the 8’ sailed over the crossbar.
Boston started to find its footing with an Aïssata Traoré cross to Sammy Smith’s head in the 9’, though nothing came of the chance. The breakthrough arrived two minutes later, when Barbara Olivieri's strike deflected off a Utah defender and ricocheted off the post, and Traoré was there to bury the rebound. Up 1-0, Boston continued to test Utah’s defense. Bianca St-Georges found space up the sideline and into Utah’s box, but her shot from a tight angle was saved by Utah’s goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn.
Utah, struggling to play out of the back, found their stride in the 17’. McGlynn’s goal kick sailed over the top and found Kiana Palacios at the other end of the field. Palacios calmly picked up the far post to even the scoreline at 1-1.
The rest of the half saw Boston working to break Utah's press with quick combinations in the attacking third. Deja Davis nearly restored the lead for Boston in the 30’ minute when her header off a cross clipped the top of the netting. Utah continued to threaten late, with a cross in the 40’ causing a scramble before being cleared, and a shot in stoppage time ringing off the crossbar.
The teams headed to the locker room level at 1-1.
Boston made their first substitution at the opening of the second half, sending Amanda Allen on to relieve Sammy Smith. McGlynn was called into action at 47’ to save a shot by Nicki Hernandez at close range. Allen made her presence known in the 54’, beating a defender 1-on-1 to deliver an on-target shot for Boston that found its way into McGlynn’s hands. In the 64’, another opportunity for the Legacy came in the form of a set piece, where Schupansky found Davis’ head, but the finish went wide. The Legacy maintained their high press.
In the 69’, Boston made another substitution as Aleigh Gambone came on for Schupansky. Allen continued to attack Utah’s back line, including a 1-on-1 in the 70’ that lead to a corner kick for the Legacy. Boston made a final pair of substitutions at 83’: Amanda Gutierres and Josefine Hasbo entered the game as Annie Karich and Traoré were called off.
The 86’ saw a promising opportunity by Amanda Gutierres fall into the hands of McGlynn. Moments later, Nicki Hernandez sent a cross soaring to the far post, where Aleigh Gambone was unmarked and drove the ball home with a diving header. Gambone’s goal marked the 11th that the Legacy have scored in the last 15 minutes of the second half. Boston’s eight goals via substitutes this season leads the league.
The Legacy closed out the two minutes of stoppage time with ease, securing three points in their second road win of the season.
Starting XI: Laurel Ivory, Nicolette Hernández, Bianca St-Georges, Deja Davis, Jorelyn Carabalí, Alba Caño, Annie Karich, Sammy Smith, Barbara Olivieri, Sarah Schupansky, Aïssata Traoré
Substitutes: Casey Murphy, Kaká, Emerson Elgin, Laurel Ansbrow, Josefine Hasbo, Amanda Allen, Amanda Gutierres, Nichelle Prince (C), Aleigh Gambone
BY THE NUMBERS
Attendance: 8,112
Shots: Boston Legacy 14, Utah Royals 9
Shots on goal: Boston Legacy 7, Utah Royals 3
Corner Kicks: Boston Legacy 3, Utah Royals 5
Fouls: Boston Legacy 10, Utah Royals 10
Yellow Cards: Boston Legacy 1, Utah Royals 1
Red Cards: None
Saves: Boston Legacy 2, Utah Royals 5
UP NEXT
The Legacy are at Washington on September 13 at 1:00 pm ET, live on ESPN.
About Boston Legacy Football Club
Boston Legacy FC is the 15th team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), currently playing its inaugural season at Gillette Stadium and Centreville Bank Stadium. Founded and led by women, the club is committed to creating a home for the greatest female athletes of our time, building upon the supercharged legacy of Boston’s historic sports teams, cultivating a community of fans with impact at its core, and forging new connections across our city through sport. For more information, please visit bostonlegacyfc.com or its social media platforms – LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (X), Tiktok, Bluesky, Facebook
