The Utah Royals have turned a two‑year slump into a playoff run that could end with a league title. After a stunning victory over San Diego in their first ever postseason game, the team will meet the Washington Spirit on Saturday morning in the NWSL semifinals.
From disappointment to determination
Both the 2024 and 2025 seasons left Royals fans frustrated, as the club missed the postseason in each year. This season, however, the organization set a clear goal: make the playoffs. Coach Jimmy Coenraets says the team has not only met that goal but exceeded it.
“Yes, I have to be honest, it did,” Coenraets told reporters. “Going into the season, we obviously had an idea of what we wanted to do. It took a lot of people and a lot of effort, but if you look at it back right now, and we’re not done yet, we can be happy about what we’ve done in 2026.”
Locker‑room unity fuels the run
Midfielder Madison Hammond highlighted the camaraderie that has defined the Royals’ season. “This group, we really like each other,” she said. “There is a togetherness that comes when you have a locker room that is on the same page and shows up every day wanting to battle for yourself and also battle for the person next to you. There is just a lot of pride and a lot of joy that has been in this locker room this year, and that has been the key, hyping each other up in our wins and being able to pull ourselves through when the results haven’t gone our way.”
Underdogs with a “why not us” attitude
Going into the semifinals, the Royals are clear underdogs. Coenraets acknowledges that many analysts wrote them off early in the season.
“In the beginning of the season we were picked last by NWSL experts. You got into the playoffs and were picked to lose again. You have this feeling that people underestimate the power of our group. It’s a magical moment when those things get together, and there’s some luck involved, but it also shows the strength of this group,” he explained.
Hammond echoed that sentiment, describing the surge of confidence after the San Diego win.
“I can’t even describe to you the adrenaline that I just came down from like 24 hours ago, but it just sits in your stomach where you are like this is the belief that you have and you keep telling yourself day in and day out, and when you can feel a moment like that, and it’s really palpable, there is no way like you can’t be like why not,” she said.
What the semifinals could mean for Utah soccer
A victory over Washington would send the Royals to the NWSL final, marking the first championship appearance in franchise history. Such a run could boost youth participation in women’s soccer across Utah, attract additional sponsorship, and reinforce the state’s reputation as a growing hub for professional sports.
Local businesses have already begun to rally behind the team, with several downtown establishments offering game‑day specials and community groups planning watch parties. The excitement surrounding the Royals reflects a broader desire for family‑friendly entertainment that aligns with traditional values and community pride.
Looking ahead
Regardless of the outcome, the Royals have already demonstrated that hard work, faith in one another, and a commitment to family‑oriented teamwork can overturn expectations. As the semifinals approach, fans across Utah are encouraged to support the team, whether at the stadium or from home, and to celebrate a season that has brought renewed hope to the state’s soccer landscape.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.
