Royals FC extended its unbeaten run to three consecutive matches, including back-to-back wins in Friday night’s 1-0 win at America First Field over Chicago Stars FC. Japanese international star Mina Tanaka rewarded the strong home crowd with a 74th-minute penalty kick in a record-setting, dominant performance for the home side.
Relentless First-Half Pressure Keeps Royals Knocking
Utah delivered one of its most aggressive attacking halves in franchise history as the team generated 18 shots before the break, the club’s highest first-half total since October, 2024. The Royals threatened from the opening whistle, with Cece Delzer creating an early chance inside the first minute and continuing to drive the attack throughout the half. Chicago’s defense was forced into repeated clearances under pressure, while Utah goalkeeper Mia Justus was called into action in the 12th minute, coming up with a full-stretch save to keep the match level.
Utah was inches away from breaking through late in the half, with Cloé Lacasse hitting the post directly from a corner and Janni Thomsen rattling the crossbar moments later. The Royals’ 18 shots are tied for the most in a single half in club history, showing a night of attacking dominance. Despite controlling the tempo and creating high-danger opportunities throughout, Utah was unable to find the finishing touch, heading into halftime scoreless — reminding observers of the fine margins between dominance and reward.
Quotable:
“We wanted to be compact and keep the ball in their end, and when we had it, just enjoy having the ball,” URFC defender Tatumn Milazzo said. “I think we were in a lot more control of the game, which helps a lot when you’re trying to close it out.”
Late breakthrough: Tanaka converts from the spot to seal Royals win
Utah Royals FC continued its attacking dominance throughout the second half, forcing multiple saves early as Delzer and Tanaka were both denied just minutes after the break. The decisive breakthrough finally came in the 70th minute, as Delzer suffered a foul in the box, prompting video assistance that awarded the penalty decision. Tanaka stepped up in the 74th minute and calmly buried the attempt, sending the Chicago goalkeeper the wrong way to give Utah its 1-0 lead for her second goal of the season, both rescuing points after last Wednesday’s late equalizer at Washington opened the international star’s 2026 account.
Utah finished the match with a club-record 27 shots, capping off one of its most dominant attacking performances in team history. The victorious result marks back-to-back wins for the Royals and extends their unbeaten streak to three matches, with a trio of players now tied for the team lead in goals with two each: Tanaka, Lara Prašnikar and Milazzo. Notably, the victory mirrors last season’s 1-0 penalty win over Chicago on April 18, 2025, highlighting Utah’s ability to deliver in key moments.
Up Next
Utah Royals FC now 2-1-2 (eight points) will hit the road following the upcoming international break to face Seattle Reign FC (3-0-1) on Sunday, April 26, at Lumen Field. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. MDT, with the match streaming on Victory+.
