From Last Place to Title Contenders: The Utah Royals' Historic NWSL Turnaround

The Utah Royals have engineered one of the most remarkable mid-season turnarounds in recent National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) history. After finishing near the bottom of the table in 2025 and opening the 2026 campaign with two consecutive losses, the club has surged to second place. Riding a 10-game unbeaten streak, the Royals have transformed from an easy out into legitimate title contenders heading into the league's June international break.

The mood inside the locker room reflects a team that has finally found its footing after years of instability. Veteran forward Cloé Lacasse recently noted that despite their rapid ascent, the squad remains unsatisfied. "We were kind of asking ourselves, like, do we think we've had our best game, and I don't think there was any player that said yes," Lacasse said. "We're just pushing for improvements, and we're pushing for excellence."

To understand the magnitude of this turnaround, one must look at the franchise's turbulent recent history. The Royals originally played in the NWSL from 2018 to 2020 before ceasing operations. They returned as an expansion side in 2024, but the reboot was rocky. The club parted ways with inaugural head coach Amy Rodriguez mid-season, elevating assistant Jimmy Coenraets to the interim role.

While Coenraets managed to stabilize the ship late in 2024, the 2025 season was a grueling test of endurance. The Royals battled a litany of severe injuries to key contributors, including Tatumn Milazzo and Alex Loera. They ultimately finished 12th out of 14 teams, managing only 25 points and conceding a staggering 42 goals over the course of the year.

The 2026 resurgence is rooted in a fundamental tactical shift orchestrated by Coenraets, who was rewarded with a contract extension through 2027. The Belgian manager has implemented an aggressive, high-pressing system that demands relentless defensive work from the front line. By forcing turnovers in dangerous areas, the forwards relieve pressure on a backline that was frequently overwhelmed in previous seasons.

The defensive results have been immediate and stark. Through just 12 matches, the Royals have already recorded six clean sheets. Goalkeeping duties have been split effectively between Mandy McGlynn and Mia Justus, who have combined to face significantly fewer high-danger shots than they did a year ago. The team's goals-against average has plummeted, anchoring their rise up the table.

On the offensive side, Lacasse has been a revelation. The 30-year-old forward has stepped into a crucial leadership role, tying her career high with four goals while adding three assists. Her ability to execute Coenraets' pressing triggers while maintaining composure in the final third has been the catalyst for Utah's balanced attack.

The unsung hero of the Royals' resurgence is defender Kate Del Fava. A model of durability, Del Fava has been a constant presence for the club since its 2024 relaunch. In May, she reached 108 consecutive games played—the second-longest streak in NWSL history. Her consistency has provided a vital anchor for a defensive unit that has finally found its rhythm.

Utah's dominance was on full display throughout May. The club went completely undefeated during the month, earning 14 out of a possible 18 points. They turned America First Field into a fortress, winning all three home matches by an aggregate score of 6-2. This flawless run earned Coenraets the NWSL Coach of the Month honors, a testament to his successful tactical overhaul.[1]

The ultimate test of their newfound resilience came in their final match before the June break. Traveling to Providence Park to face the top-ranked Portland Thorns, the Royals battled to a 2-2 draw. Securing a point on the road against the league leaders proved that Utah's unbeaten streak was not merely a product of a soft schedule, but a reflection of their genuine quality.[2]

The league is now paused for the FIFA international window, and the Royals' success has not gone unnoticed by national team programs. Ten Utah players have been called up to represent their countries. Notably, goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn has returned to the U.S. Women's National Team roster after recovering from an early-season injury, while Del Fava will feature for the U.S. U-23 squad.

Utah's rise is occurring against the backdrop of a banner year for the NWSL as a whole. The league expanded to 16 teams in 2026 with the addition of Boston Legacy and Denver Summit. Fan engagement has reached unprecedented heights, highlighted by a record-shattering crowd of 63,004 at Denver's Mile High Stadium in March. In this highly competitive, rapidly growing environment, the Royals' turnaround stands out as a premier storyline.[2]

As the squad prepares to resume domestic play, the focus shifts from proving they belong to securing tangible hardware. With 24 points already secured, Utah is just one point shy of their entire 2025 points total. The playoffs, once a distant dream, are now a firm expectation.

For a franchise that endured years of growing pains, injuries, and organizational resets, the 2026 season represents a hard-earned vindication. "It wasn't fun a lot of the time, the last two years it wasn't easy," Coenraets reflected. "But it's nice that the girls get a little bit of a reward and feel good about this first half of the season."