Utah Royals Snap Losing Streak vs Orlando Pride

The Royals returned from the international break with a much‑needed 1‑0 victory over the Orlando Pride at America First Field, ending a two‑game losing run. The win also served as the perfect launchpad for the club’s new “We Are Better Together” campaign, showcasing Utah’s resurgence in front of a lively home crowd. This narrow triumph marked Utah’s first win over Orlando since the franchise’s debut in 2024, where the Pride had previously gone unbeaten.

Narumi Miura’s match‑winner

Midfielder Narumi Miura found the net in the 36th minute, slamming a left‑footed shot from the left side of the 18‑yard box into the right corner. The goal was Miura’s second of the 2026 NWSL season, following her earlier strike against Seattle Reign FC in a 3‑0 win back in April. Her late finish broke the deadlock and delivered the three points for Utah.

Why this victory matters

Orlando had not lost to Utah in four previous meetings, securing three wins and a draw. This result ended that streak and gave the Royals their first triumph over the Pride. The clean sheet extended Utah’s total to six for the campaign, highlighting defensive improvement after the recent setbacks. The win also re‑ignited the squad’s confidence ahead of the upcoming road trip.

Coaching changes and player highlights

Coach Jimmy Coenraets reshuffled the lineup, inserting defender Miyabi Moriya (her first start back from injury) and Spanish international Ana Tejada. Mina Tanaka generated an early threat in the 13th minute, hitting a header just over the crossbar, while Tejada’s effort in the 23rd minute also rattled the post. In the second half, goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn produced key saves on a 50th‑minute corner and again in the 86th minute to preserve the lead.

Quotes from the match

“We talk about, before the game, what we want to focus on and what we can do,” Narumi said after netting the winner. “As a team, what we did this week wasn’t go on about why we lost against Gotham. It was more like, ‘How are we gonna be us? How are we gonna win games again?’” Coach Coenraets added, praising the squad’s cohesion across possession phases.

Upcoming schedule

Utah heads east to face the North Carolina Courage in Cary on Saturday, July 25, with kickoff set for 5:45 p.m. MDT. The Royals return home on Wednesday, July 29, to host the Washington Spirit at America First Field, beginning at 7 p.m. MT. Tickets for both matches are available on the RSL.com website.