Following the release of the 2018 NWSL schedule, Utah Royals FC will set its sights on its first opponent – the Orlando Pride – on Saturday, March 24 in Florida. After its inaugural match, Utah Royals FC face the Houston Dash in Southern Texas before returning to the Beehive state for its highly anticipated home opener on April 14th against the visiting Chicago Red Stars.
With 24 regular-season matches distributed among an eight-month season, here are three home matches every Utah Royals FC fan should circle on their calendars:
April 14, 2018: Utah Royals FC vs. Chicago Red Stars
The highly anticipated home opener at Rio Tinto Stadium is set for the second weekend in April as NWSL soccer officially lands in Utah. Utah Royals FC will look to begin proceedings at Rio Tinto positively when it hosts the Chicago Red Stars, a team that features USWNT defender & reigning player of the year Julie Ertz.
April 28, 2018: Utah Royals FC vs. Portland Thorns FC
URFC squares off against the 2017 defending NWSL Cup Champions, Portland Thorns FC in their second home match of 2018. The Thorns carry a deep and talented roster headlined by USWNT midfielder Tobin Heath and 2017 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year, Adrianna Franch. The Thorns will be looking to make a statement when it visits Rio Tinto for the first time as the team looks to begin its title defense in style against the league’s newest franchise.
June 27, 2018: Utah Royals FC vs. Seattle Reign FC
What could be a budding rivalry for Utah Royals FC, the Seattle Reign FC will visit Utah for the first time with some of the URFC staff all too familiar with the Reign. All eyes will be on Rio Tinto when Head Coach Laura Harvey faces her former club and USWNT forward and FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe for the first time since departing the club at the end of last season.
Tickets are available now at RSL.com/NWSL, or by calling 844.Real.Tix to gain access to the world-class venue’s premium seating options for the 12-game home slate Utah Royals FC inaugural season.
