NWSL expansion team Boston Legacy FC made the most of its first trip to Utah on Friday night, beating the Utah Royals 2-1 at America First Field in Sandy.

A defensive lapse by the Royals in the 86th minute allowed the Legacy to walk away with the win. Boston’s Nicki Hernandez delivered a cross from the left side, and Aleigh Gambone — left unmarked by the Royals — scored the game-winner on a header.

The loss left Utah (12-7-4) in third place, with fourth-place San Diego and fifth-place Portland sitting within striking distance with games to play this weekend. The Legacy, sitting in 15th place, improved to 5-12-6.

Utah fell flat in the second half and managed just two shots after the break.

“It’s just not something to be proud of, at all,” Utah coach Jimmy Coenraets said in a televised postgame interview.

Utah’s Mandy McGlynn did provide a highlight with a rare assist by a goalkeeper. With Utah trailing 1-0 in the 17th minute, McGlynn booted a long ball, and teammate Kiana Palacios outran a defender to the ball and scored.

Boston had taken a 1-0 lead on a pinball sequence in the 10th minute. The Legacy’s Barbara Olivieri drilled a shot from about 20 yards out, Utah’s Kate Del Fava deflected the ball off the left post, and Boston’s Aissata Traore scored off the rebound.

The Royals and Legacy split their season series, after Utah won 2-1 at Boston on March 28.

With seven games left to play in the regular season, Utah will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Houston (6:45 p.m. MDT, ION).