2025 Utah Royals season
2024 season | |
---|---|
Owners | |
Sporting Director | Kelly Cousins |
Head coach | Jimmy Coenraets |
Stadium |
|
All statistics correct as of January 11, 2025. |
The 2025 Utah Royals season will be the team's fifth season of existence in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), the top tier of women's soccer in the United States. It will be the club's second season after returning to the league in 2024. The club plays its home games at America First Field in Sandy, Utah.
Background
The Royals returned to the NWSL in 2024 following a three-year absence.[1] Led by head coach Amy Rodriguez, the team had a slow start to the season that saw them at the bottom of the league table after the first half of the season.[2] After a ten-game winless period,[3] the club fired Rodriguez in late June and replaced her with interim head coach Jimmy Coenraets.[4][5] Coenraets was promoted to a permanent role on October 24 after a more successful run of results and leading the Royals to a group victory in the 2024 NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup.[6][7] The team finished 11th overall at the end of the season, failing to qualify for the NWSL playoffs.[8]
Preseason
The Royals kicked off their preseason by announcing their end-of-year roster decisions. The club listed Zoe Burns, Julia Grosso, Shaelan Murison, Darielle O'Brien, Carly Nelson, and Cameron Tucker as players who would not be returning in 2025. Additionally, forward Hannah Betfort was listed as another player out of contract who was in negotiations with the Royals.[9] The next day, the club signed 15-year-old KK Ream using the NWSL Under-18 Entry Mechanism. Ream became the club's youngest signing, surpassing forward Ally Sentnor.[10] The Royals went on to add two more players on December 18 and December 30, trading to acquire Alex Loera[11] and signing former Texas Longhorns goalkeeper Mia Justus to her first professional contract.[12]
Following the turn of the new year, the Royals took to re-signing their current players. On January 7, Paige Monaghan was extended for three years, while Mandy McGlynn signed a five-year contract two days later.[13][14] On January 10, the Royals announced the signing of Colombian international Ana María Guzmán on loan from Bayern Munich for one season.[15]
Meanwhile, former goalkeeper Carly Nelson spoke out against the Royals on social media, alleging that she was subjected to emotional and psychological abuse in her tenure with the club.[16][17] The Royals caught wind of Nelson's statement and posted a response to her claims one day later.[18][19]
On January 13, the Royals announced two incoming players and three outgoings. The club announced the release both Agnes Nyberg and Michele Vasconcelos after buying out their contracts, as well as the official departure of Hannah Betfort.[20] Later, the Royals revealed the signings of forward Aisha Solórzano and Tatumn Milazzo to bolster their roster.[21][22]
Team
Current squad
- As of June 12, 2025[23]
No. | Nat. | Name | Date of birth (age) | Since | Previous team | Notes[a] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Goalkeepers | ||||||
1 | Mandy McGlynn | November 3, 1998 (aged 26) | 2024 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | ||
23 | Mia Justus | September 3, 2002 (aged 22) | 2025 | Texas Longhorns | ||
Defenders | ||||||
2 | Tatumn Milazzo | April 17, 1998 (aged 26) | 2025 | Chicago Stars FC | ||
3 | Olivia Griffitts | August 2, 2001 (aged 23) | 2024 | BYU Cougars | ||
5 | Lauren Flynn | May 22, 2002 (aged 22) | 2024 | Florida State Seminoles | ||
8 | Kate Del Fava | July 23, 1998 (aged 26) | 2024 | Kansas City Current | ||
14 | Nuria Rábano | June 15, 1999 (aged 25) | 2025 | VfL Wolfsburg | INT | |
15 | Ana María Guzmán | June 11, 2005 (aged 19) | 2025 | Bayern Munich | INT, LOA | |
16 | Madison Pogarch | November 5, 1997 (aged 27) | 2024 | San Diego Wave FC | ||
17 | Ana Tejada | June 2, 2002 (aged 22) | 2024 | Real Sociedad | INT | |
18 | Kaleigh Riehl | October 21, 1996 (aged 28) | 2024 | San Diego Wave FC | ||
28 | Imani Dorsey | March 21, 1996 (aged 28) | 2024 | NJ/NY Gotham FC | ||
Midfielders | ||||||
6 | Macey Fraser | July 11, 2002 (aged 22) | 2024 | Wellington Phoenix | INT | |
7 | Janni Thomsen | February 16, 2000 (aged 25) | 2025 | Vålerenga | INT | |
10 | Claudia Zornoza | October 20, 1990 (aged 34) | 2024 | Real Madrid | INT | |
12 | Alex Loera | June 19, 1999 (aged 25) | 2025 | Bay FC | ||
21 | Mikayla Cluff | February 25, 1999 (aged 26) | 2024 | Orlando Pride | ||
22 | Dana Foederer | July 27, 2002 (aged 22) | 2024 | Fortuna Sittard | INT | |
33 | Aria Nagai | February 16, 2000 (aged 25) | 2025 | North Carolina Tar Heels | SCE | |
Forwards | ||||||
4 | Paige Monaghan (captain) | November 13, 1996 (aged 28) | 2024 | Racing Louisville FC | ||
9 | Ally Sentnor | February 18, 2004 (aged 21) | 2024 | North Carolina Tar Heels | ||
11 | Mina Tanaka | April 28, 1994 (aged 30) | 2024 | INAC Kobe Leonessa | INT | |
13 | Brecken Mozingo | August 3, 2001 (aged 23) | 2024 | BYU Cougars | ||
19 | KK Ream | July 8, 2009 (aged 15) | 2025 | Utah Avalanche | U18 | |
24 | Cloé Lacasse | July 7, 1993 (aged 31) | 2024 | Arsenal | INT | |
25 | Cece Kizer | August 7, 1997 (aged 27) | 2025 | Gotham FC | ||
30 | Aisha Solórzano | April 13, 1998 (aged 26) | 2025 | Club Tijuana | ||
53 | Bianca St-Georges | July 28, 1997 (aged 27) | 2025 | North Carolina Courage |
- ^ denotes a season-ending injury.
Out on loan
No. | Pos. | Nation | Player |
---|---|---|---|
— | MF | USA | Emily Gray (loaned to Piteå IF) |
Technical staff
- As of January 12, 2025[24]
Role | Name |
---|---|
Sporting Director | Kelly Cousins |
Head Coach | Jimmy Coenraets |
Performance Coach/Analyst | Sam Lismont |
Goalkeeper Coach | James White |
Team Administrator | Vanessa Ramos |
Head Athletic Trainer | Meghan Chambers |
Assistant Athletic Trainer | Carlaine Myers |
Head of Performance | Jess Mendez |
Applied Sports Scientist | Maxine Furtado |
Video Analyst | James Chandler |
Equipment Manager | Maddie Holmberg |
Competitions
Win Draw Loss
Friendlies
February 6 Preseason | United City FC | 0–3 | Utah Royals | Chula Vista, California |
12:00 pm MT | Report |
|
Stadium: Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center |
February 10 Preseason | San Diego Wave FC | 3–2 | Utah Royals | Chula Vista, California |
2:00 pm MT | Report | Stadium: Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center |
February 13 Preseason | San Diego State Aztecs | 1–3 | Utah Royals | Chula Vista, California |
8:00 pm MT | Report |
|
Stadium: Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center |
Regular season
March 15 1 | Utah Royals | 1–1 | Bay FC | Sandy, Utah |
5:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: America First Field Attendance: 10,624 Referee: Jaclyn Metz |
March 22 2 | San Diego Wave | 3–2 | Utah Royals | San Diego, California |
8:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium Attendance: 18,465 Referee: Shawn Tehini |
March 29 3 | Kansas City Current | 3–0 | Utah Royals | Kansas City, Missouri |
5:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: CPKC Stadium Attendance: 11,500 Referee: Marie Durr |
April 11 4 | Utah Royals | 0–1 | Portland Thorns | Sandy, Utah |
8:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: America First Field Attendance: 5,051 Referee: Iryna Petrunok |
April 18 5 | Utah Royals | 1–0 | Chicago Stars | Sandy, Utah |
7:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: America First Field Attendance: 17,085 Referee: John Matto |
April 25 6 | Houston Dash | 1–0 | Utah Royals | Houston, Texas |
6:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium Attendance: 5,084 Referee: Adorae Monroy |
May 3 7 | Utah Royals | 0–2 | North Carolina Courage | Sandy, Utah |
8:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) |
|
Report | Stadium: America First Field Attendance: 7,371 Referee: Laura Rodriguez |
May 9 8 | Angel City FC | 2–0 | Utah Royals | Los Angeles, California |
8:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) |
|
Report | Stadium: BMO Stadium Attendance: 16,533 Referee: Alexandra Billeter |
May 17 9 | Washington Spirit | 3–3 | Utah Royals | Washington, D.C. |
5:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Audi Field Attendance: 15,016 Referee: Danielle Chesky |
May 23 10 | Utah Royals | 1–3 | Orlando Pride | Sandy, Utah |
7:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report |
|
Stadium: America First Field Attendance: 11,668 Referee: John Griggs |
June 6 11 | Racing Louisville FC | 3–2 | Utah Royals | Louisville, Kentucky |
6:34 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report |
|
Stadium: Lynn Family Stadium Attendance: 3,951 Referee: Adorae Monroy |
June 13 12 | Utah Royals | v | Gotham FC | Sandy, Utah |
7:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: America First Field |
June 21 13 | Utah Royals | v | Seattle Reign FC | Sandy, Utah |
3:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: America First Field |
August 3 14 | Orlando Pride | v | Utah Royals | Orlando, Florida |
4:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Inter&Co Stadium |
August 8 15 | Utah Royals | v | Kansas City Current | Sandy, Utah |
8:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: America First Field |
August 15 16 | Utah Royals | v | Angel City FC | Sandy, Utah |
8:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: America First Field |
August 23 17 | Gotham FC | v | Utah Royals | Harrison, New Jersey |
5:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Sports Illustrated Stadium |
August 29 18 | Portland Thorns FC | v | Utah Royals | Portland, Oregon |
8:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Providence Park |
September 6 19 | North Carolina Courage | v | Utah Royals | Cary, North Carolina |
5:30 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: WakeMed Soccer Park |
September 14 20 | Utah Royals | v | Houston Dash | Sandy, Utah |
4:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: America First Field |
September 19 21 | Utah Royals | v | Racing Louisville FC | Sandy, Utah |
8:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: America First Field |
September 27 22 | Bay FC | v | Utah Royals | San Jose, California |
8:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: PayPal Park |
October 5 23 | Chicago Stars FC | v | Utah Royals | Bridgeview, Illinois |
2:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: SeatGeek Stadium |
October 11 24 | Utah Royals | v | San Diego Wave FC | Sandy, Utah |
8:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: America First Field |
October 17 25 | Seattle Reign FC | v | Utah Royals | Seattle, Washington |
8:00 pm MDT (UTC-7) | Report | Stadium: Lumen Field |
November 2 26 | Utah Royals | v | Washington Spirit | Sandy, Utah |
Report | Stadium: America First Field |
Regular-season standings
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | Bay FC | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 17 | −3 | 15 |
11 | Angel City FC | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 20 | 24 | −4 | 15 |
12 | Houston Dash | 13 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 13 | 22 | −9 | 11 |
13 | Chicago Stars FC | 13 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 10 | 27 | −17 | 6 |
14 | Utah Royals | 13 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 11 | 29 | −18 | 5 |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) total goal differential; 3) total wins; 4) total goals scored; 5) head to head points; 6) head to head goal goals scored; 7) fewer disciplinary points; 8) coin toss (2 clubs tied) or drawing of lots (≥3 clubs tied)
Friendlies
June 12 | San Diego Wave FC | v | Utah Royals | San Diego, California |
6:00 p.m. MDT (UTC-7) | Stadium: Torero Stadium |
July 20 | Utah Royals | v | San Diego Wave FC | Sandy, Utah |
7:30 p.m. MDT (UTC-7) | Stadium: America First Field |
Squad statistics
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Clean sheets
Disciplinary record
Transactions
Contract operations
Date | Player | Pos. | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
September 19, 2024 | Lauren Flynn | DF
|
Options exercised for 2025. | [25] |
Cristina Roque | GK
|
Date | Player | Pos. | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
January 7, 2025 | Paige Monaghan | FW
|
Re-signed to a three-year contract through 2027. | [13] |
January 9, 2025 | Mandy McGlynn | GK
|
Re-signed to a five-year contract through 2029. | [14] |
Loans in
Date | Player | Pos. | Previous club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
January 10, 2025 | Ana María Guzmán | DF
|
Bayern Munich | Loaned through the 2025 NWSL season. | [15] |
Loans out
Date | Player | Pos. | Destination club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
January 28, 2025 | Emily Gray | MF
|
Piteå IF | Loaned through December 31, 2025. | [26] |
Transfers in
Date | Player | Pos. | Previous club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
December 11, 2024 | KK Ream | FW
|
Utah Avalanche | Signed with NWSL Under-18 Entry Mechanism to a three-year contract. | [10] |
December 18, 2024 | Alex Loera | MF
|
Bay FC | Traded in exchange for $25,000 in intra-league transfer fees and a 15% sell-on fee. | [11] |
December 30, 2024 | Mia Justus | GK
|
Texas Longhorns | Free agent rookie signed to a three-year contract. | [12] |
January 13, 2025 | Aisha Solórzano | FW
|
Club Tijuana | Acquired in exchange for an undisclosed fee and signed to a three-year contract. | [21] |
Tatumn Milazzo | DF
|
Chicago Stars FC | Free agent signed to a two-year contract. | [22] | |
January 29, 2025 | Nuria Rábano | DF
|
VfL Wolfsburg | Acquired in exchange for an undisclosed fee and signed to a three-year contract with a mutual option. | [27] |
March 4, 2025 | Kayla Colbert | DF
|
USC Trojans | Signed to a short-term injury replacement contract. | [28] |
Sydney Jones | DF
|
Ohio State Buckeyes | Signed to a short-term injury replacement contract. | ||
Aria Nagai | MF
|
North Carolina Tar Heels | Signed to a Salary Cap Exempt contract. | ||
March 6, 2025 | Bianca St-Georges | FW
|
North Carolina Courage | Signed to a one-year contract. | [29] |
March 7, 2025 | Janni Thomsen | DF
|
Vålerenga | Signed to a two-year contract with a mutual option. | [30] |
April 18, 2025 | Cece Kizer | FW
|
Gotham FC | Free agent signed to a two-year contract. | [31] |
Transfers out
Date | Player | Pos. | Destination club | Fee/notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
December 10, 2024 | Hannah Betfort | FW
|
North Carolina Courage | Out of contract. | [9][32] |
Zoe Burns | DF
|
FC Fleury 91 | [9] | ||
Julia Grosso | DF
|
Fort Lauderdale United FC | [9] | ||
Shaelan Murison | FW
|
Oakland Soul SC | [9] | ||
Darielle O'Brien | DF
|
[9] | |||
Carly Nelson | GK
|
[9] | |||
Cameron Tucker | FW
|
Levante UD | [9] | ||
January 13, 2025 | Agnes Nyberg | MF
|
Rosenborg | Released. | [20] |
Michele Vasconcelos | FW
|
Levante Badalona | |||
March 14, 2025 | Kayla Colbert | DF
|
Released. | [33] | |
May 2, 2025 | Sydney Jones | DF
|
Released. | [34] | |
June 4, 2025 | Cristina Roque | GK
|
Racing Louisville FC | Traded in exchange for $50,000 in allocation money. | [35] |
Injury listings
Date | Player | Pos. | List | Injury | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
April 24, 2024 | Alex Loera | MF
|
Season-ending injury | Torn ACL sustained in 2024 with Bay FC. | [36] |
June 3, 2025 | Knee injury sustained in a match against Angel City FC. | [37] |
Preseason trialists
Trialists are non-rostered invitees during preseason and are not automatically signed. The Royals released their preseason roster on January 15, 2025.
Player | Pos. | Previous club | Status | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jennifer Blitchok | FW
|
Western Michigan Broncos | Not signed. | [38] |
Cora Brendle | GK
|
Utah State Aggies | Not signed. | [38] |
Kayla Colbert | FW
|
USC Trojans | Signed. | [38] |
Maryn Granger | DF
|
Utah Utes | Not signed. | [38] |
Sydney Jones | DF
|
Ohio State Buckeyes | Signed. | [38] |
Aria Nagai | MF
|
North Carolina Tar Heels | Signed. | [38] |
Chloe Sadler | MF
|
La Roca Premier | U18 trialist. Not signed. | [38] |
Awards
References
- ^ "Utah Royals to return next season as NWSL's 13th team". AP News. March 12, 2023. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ rsl. "Utah Royals FC 2024 Season In Review | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ Gutierrez, Jackie (November 4, 2024). "Building blocks for the future: Utah Royals reflect on Year 1 of being back in the NWSL – Equalizer Soccer". equalizersoccer.com. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ "Last-place Utah fire head coach Rodriguez". ESPN.com. June 30, 2024. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ Gutierrez, Jackie. "Utah Royals FC Address Decision To Fire Amy Rodriguez". Forbes. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ Turner, Caleb; Oct. 24, KSL com | Posted-; A.m, 2024 at 11:12. "Utah Royals make interim head coach Jimmy Coenraets permanent". www.ksl.com. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Utah Royals hire Jimmy Coenraets as new head coach". Deseret News. October 24, 2024. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ Turner, Caleb (November 1, 2024). "Utah Royals end season with 4-1 loss to reigning champ Gotham". www.ksl.com. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h rsl. "Utah Royals FC Announces 2025 Roster Decisions | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
- ^ a b rsl. "Utah Royals FC Signs 15-Year-Old KK Ream To Professional Contract | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
- ^ a b rsl. "Utah Royals FC Trades For Midfielder Alex Loera | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
- ^ a b rsl. "Utah Royals FC Adds Rookie Goalkeeper Mia Justus | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
- ^ a b rsl. "Utah Royals FC Signs Paige Monaghan to Contract Extension | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
- ^ a b rsl. "Utah Royals FC Signs Goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn To Contract Extension | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
- ^ a b rsl. "Utah Royals FC Signs FC Bayern Munich Defender Ana María Guzmán On Loan | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
- ^ Kassouf, Jeff (January 10, 2025). "Ex-Utah Royals GK Carly Nelson alleges 'emotional and psychological abuse' at club – Equalizer Soccer". equalizersoccer.com. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ Linehan, Meg. "Former Utah goalkeeper Carly Nelson alleges club allowed 'emotional and psychological abuse'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ "Utah Royals 'saddened' over allegations of abuse made by former player". FOX 13 News Utah (KSTU). January 11, 2025. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ KUTV, Kaigan Bigler (January 10, 2025). "Former player for Utah Royals accuses coaches of abuse, Royals respond". KUTV. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ a b rsl. "Utah Royals FC Announces Three Player Departures | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ a b rsl. "Utah Royals FC Signs Aisha Solórzano From Club Tijuana | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ a b rsl. "Utah Royals FC Adds Tatumn Milazzo Bolstering Defense | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "ACTIVE ROSTER". Retrieved February 2, 2025.
- ^ "TECHNICAL STAFF". Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ rsl. "Lauren Flynn and Cristina Roque Have Options Picked Up By Utah Royals FC | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved January 11, 2025.
- ^ rsl. "Utah Royals FC Loans Emily Gray To Piteå IF | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
- ^ rsl. "Utah Royals FC Signs Defender Nuria Rábano From VfL Wolfsburg | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
- ^ rsl. "Utah Royals FC Signs Three Players to Short Term Contracts | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
- ^ rsl. "Utah Royals FC Welcomes Free Agent Bianca St-Georges | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
- ^ rsl. "Danish Defender Janni Thomsen Signs With Utah Royals FC | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
- ^ "Utah Royals FC Signs Former Gotham FC Attacker Cece Kizer | Utah Royals". rsl. April 18, 2025. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
- ^ "NC Courage sign free agent forward Hannah Betfort". NC Courage. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
- ^ @UtahRoyalsFC (March 14, 2025). "Thank you Kayla for your time as an injury replacement player! Best of luck in your next adventure 👑" (Tweet). Retrieved June 12, 2025 – via Twitter.
- ^ @UtahRoyalsFC (May 2, 2025). "All the best to you on your next adventure, Sydney 👑 Thank you for your time with Royalty!" (Tweet). Retrieved June 12, 2025 – via Twitter.
- ^ "URFC Goalkeeper Cristina Roque Traded to Racing Louisville FC | Utah Royals". rsl. June 4, 2025. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
- ^ "Bay FC midfielder Alex Loera to miss remainder of 2024 season with knee injury". Bay FC. April 24, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
- ^ "URFC Midfielder Alex Loera Added to Season-Ending Injury List | Utah Royals". rsl. June 3, 2025. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g rsl. "URFC Releases 2025 Preseason Roster | Utah Royals". rsl. Retrieved February 2, 2025.