Utah Royals FC Seek First Win Against Portland Thorns on April 11

HERRIMAN, Utah (April 11, 2025) – Utah Royals FC (0-2-1, 1 pt, 13th NWSL) will aim for their first victory of the season as they host the Portland Thorns FC (0-1-2, 2 pts, 11th NWSL) tonight at 8:00 p.m. MT in America First Field.

After a challenging 3-0 defeat against Kansas City Current, the Royals are looking to regroup. To prepare for this match, the team played a scrimmage against Utah Valley University during the international break, granting valuable playing time to returning injured players.

Five Utah players were called to national duty, competing for four different countries: Mandy McGlynn and Ally Sentnor (USA), Mina Tanaka (Japan), Janni Thomsen (Denmark), and Bianca St-Georges (Canada). Sentnor showcased her skills in two friendlies against Brazil, while McGlynn participated as a substitute in the first match and started the second. Unfortunately, Tanaka suffered an injury mid-game against Colombia while representing Japan.

Historical matchup statistics favor the Royals, who swept the Thorns in 2024 with two regular-season wins and a draw, including a 2-1 victory in their last meeting on October 5, 2024, where Tanaka scored the winning goal.

This season, both teams have struggled, with Utah allowing ten out of eleven goals in the first half. Neither team has managed to secure a win after conceding first, making a quick start essential. “We need to focus on our defense early and capitalize on our chances,” said URFC head coach, emphasizing the importance of scoring first.

Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on Prime Video with Mike Watts, Lori Lindsey, and Lianne Sanderson. Fans can also listen on KSL Sports Radio (102.7 FM / 1160 AM) with pre-game coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. MT.

The Thorns, yet to win this season, began their campaign with a 3-1 loss to Kansas City and followed with two draws against Angel City FC and North Carolina Courage. The absence of key players, particularly USWNT star Sophia Smith, who is on maternity leave, adds a layer of challenge for Portland.

After this matchup, Utah will remain home to face the Chicago Stars FC on April 18, where they hope to avenge losses from the previous season’s fixtures.