Utah Royals FC is gearing up for an important clash against Angel City FC on Friday, May 9th, at BMO Stadium in Southern California. The Royals, currently positioned at the bottom of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) table with a record of 1-5-1, are looking to bounce back after a 2–0 defeat to the North Carolina Courage in their previous match. Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets implemented a new strategy, utilizing a 4-2-2-2 formation that featured an exceptionally young lineup averaging just under 24 years old.
One of the standout moments from their last game was the debut of KK Ream, who made NWSL history as the youngest player to start a match at 15 years, 9 months, and 26 days. Additionally, fans were thrilled to see Lauren Flynn return to the starting formation after recovering from an injury, with Mina Tanaka making her comeback as a halftime substitute.
In their previous encounters this season, the Royals faced Angel City twice, with the first match resulting in a 2–1 loss at home. However, they managed to secure a 1–1 draw during the rematch in Los Angeles, demonstrating their potential to challenge strong opponents.
Angel City comes into this match following an exhilarating 4–3 victory over the Washington Spirit, with rookie Riley Tiernan scoring the decisive goal in the dying moments of the game. While they had a rocky start to the season, the team has shown resilience, winning two out of their past four matches. Interim head coach Sam Laity is at the helm as they await the arrival of permanent head coach Alexander Straus.
Fans tuning in can catch the action live on KMYU, NWSL+, or KSL Sports Radio, showcasing the competitive spirit and dedication of both teams. Although the Royals have faced difficulties this season, their youthful lineup’s spirit and growth potential adds an exciting dimension to the upcoming match against Angel City. With aspirations of improving their standings, the Royals will be eager to turn their fortunes around as they head into this key matchup.