Houston, Texas (Saturday, September 12, 2026) – Utah Royals FC (13-8-3, 42 points, 3rd NWSL) picked up all three points in a 1-0 victory away against Houston Dash (7-12-5, 26 points, 12th NWSL) on Saturday night at Shell Energy Stadium.
Royals Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets made three personnel changes to the starting XI following the 2-1 loss to Boston Legacy FC at America First Field, starting Mia Justus in between the sticks to replace Mandy McGlynn. He also made a change at center back with Kaleigh Riehl coming in for Tatumn Milazzo, and Ana Tejada replacing Madison Hammond. Utah’s captain, Kate Del Fava made her 75th straight start and is the only player to have played every single minute in the club’s second stint.
The best chance in the first half came following a cross into the penalty area from Miyabi, finding the feet of Mina Tanaka, whose first shot was blocked. The Japanese international got a second chance to unleash a low driven shot that forced Houston’s goalkeeper, Jane Campbell, into a quick save down to her left to keep the match level.
The second half began with Houston getting back-to-back yellow cards for Houston, setting the tone for a physical second half. Midway through the second half, the Royals subbed on new acquisition signing from Chicago Star, Jameese Joseph for her club debut. With her limited minutes on the field, Joseph was able to physically impose herself on the defense and even generated a few chances for her new teammates.
In the 69th minute, Paige Cronin served a long ball into the penalty box. The ball rebounded and neat possession down the left side led to a dangerous low cross from Nuria Rábano across the six yard box where Tanaka ran in for the tap-in finish, bringing her level with former Royal Amy Rodrigeuz for the single-season record. Tanaka has now scored six game-winning goals in her Royals career and has five game-winning goals; the most in a single season for Utah.
The Royals’ defense continued to prevent the Dash from generating a threatening goal scoring opportunity and kept Houston from registering a single shot on goal for the first time since September 14, 2025 in Utah.
Looking to continue the momentum after the win, the Royals are back at home next week against Angel City on Sunday, September 20, at America First Field. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. MT, with the tickets available here.
URFC Next Home Match: 9/20 @ America First Field
Pups at the Pitch Night!
Get a ticket for you and your pup for URFC vs Angel City FC at home! This match also features a halftime Wiener dog race and Swig Sunday $3 drinks at America First Field!
HOU 0 : 1 UTA
UTA: Mina Tanaka (Nuria Rábano) 69’: Rábano crossed a low driven ball through the six yard box where Tanaka was able to poke it into the net for the opening goal.
LINEUPS:
Utah Royals FC (4-3-3): Mia Justus; Miyabi (Paige Cronin, 68’), Kate Del Fava ©, Kaleigh Riehl, Nuria Rábano; Ana Tejada, Narumi, (Madison Hammond, 90+2’) Mina Tanaka; Cece Delzer, (Brecken Mozingo, 79’) Kiana Palacios, (Jameese Joseph, 68’) Cloé Lacasse
Subs not used: Mandy McGlynn, Kameron Simmonds, Tatumn Milazzo, Courtney Brown, Alexa Spaanstra
Head Coach: Jimmy Coenraets
Houston Dash (4-4-2): Jane Campbell ©; Avery Patterson, Paige Nielsen, Leah Klenke, Allysha Chapman, (Natalie Hammond, 67’); Maggie Graham, (Clarissa Larisey, 81’) Danielle Colaprico, Sarah Puntigam, (Cate Hardin, 81’) Kiki Van Zanten, (Khyah Harper, 67’); Kat Rader, Kate Faasse, (Miljana Ivanovic, 87’)
Subs not used: Caroline DeLisle, Messiah Bright, Lisa Boattin, Jordan Brewster
Head Coach: Fabrice Gautrat
Stats Summary: HOU / UTA
Possession: 45% / 55%
Shots: 4 / 17
Shots on Goal: 0 / 6
Corner Kicks: 2 / 7
Fouls: 12 / 15
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
HOU: Avery Patterson (Yellow Card - 52’)
HOU: Danielle Colaprico (Yellow Card - 58’)
HOU: Paige Nielsen (Yellow Card - 88’)
Photo Assets — Please Credit Utah Royals FC
