The wait is over. The National Women’s Soccer League has officially arrived in Utah with Utah Royals FC commencing its first ever preseason on Monday. Head Coach Laura Harvey and her staff had the opportunity to hit the pitch with players for the first time in what has been an exciting 95 days of existence for the NWSL’s newest club.
“The first session of preseason is always a little crazy not knowing what to expect,” Harvey explained. “Now it’s all about moving forward, progressing and getting better as a team. The first training was great and we’re happy to finally be playing.”
Yes, just 95 days have separated the November 16 announcement of the team at Rio Tinto Stadium from the team’s first training session. While most professional sports organizations have between one and two years to launch a team, the Utah Royals FC completed the task in less than 100 days. From the inception of the team, to the hiring of Harvey and building the inaugural roster, all of the preparation for the season brought a sigh of relief as the Nike soccer balls were rolled onto the turf today as players donned a Utah Royals FC crest for the first time.
“For the first day of preseason it was amazing,” Utah Royals FC defender Becky Sauerbrunn said. “To be able to play and get the nervousness out was good. Everyone is getting to know each other. Today was fantastic.”
Carrying with it a unique situation, Utah Royals FC are able to experience many firsts together with the advent of the new club. Each player and staff member experienced wearing the crest for the first time & training in Herriman for the first time together. In March, they will experience playing the first match in club history As One, too.
“After day one, I’m speechless,” Utah Royals FC midfielder Gunny said. “You can tell that this is very strong group of girls even after just the first day. I think we’re all striving for greatness and we’re all willing to put in the work to be the best.”
The familiarity amongst the group is still evolving but most players within the side believe that even after just one session, it won’t take long for the group to fully gel.
“It’s evident after day one that we have a group that enjoys swift passing and a possession oriented style of play that suits our team,” Sauerbrunn said. “It’s something that Laura [Harvey] appreciates and it’s something that we’ll continue to work on.”
