LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (Saturday, October 3, 2026) – Utah Royals FC (14-9-4, 46 points, 4th NWSL) equalized in the dying seconds against Racing Louisville FC (7-17-3, 24 points, 15th NWSL) on Saturday, rescuing a 1-1 draw in its last trip before October’s upcoming international break. The result was Utah’s first tie since May 30th (against Portland Thorns FC), and was the first time in series history against Louisville that the home side failed to win.
Jimmy Coenraets made no changes to Saturday’s starting XI, sticking with the same lineup that helped him earn his 25th win as the Utah Royals’ head coach — a 2-1 home win over North Carolina Courage last Sunday.
The hosts came close to opening the scoring in the 25th minute but were denied by crucial defensive interventions by the Royals. Mina Tanaka came up clutch first, heading the ball off the line after Mirann Gacioch’s header looked destined for goal. Moments later, Mandy McGlynn stepped up, getting low to make a tough kick-save on a shot from Emma Sears.
Louisville continued its offensive pressure, winning a penalty in the 42nd minute after Madison Hammond committed a foul on Arin Wright on a Racing corner. Katie O’Kane converted the opportunity, scoring her fourth goal of the season with a right-footed shot that deflected off the left post for a 1-0 lead. The penalty was the third the Royals have conceded in third games after Ashley Sanchez scored her chance from the spot last Sunday and Ally Sentnor converted her opportunity two weeks ago. The home side carried its narrow lead into halftime, putting the onus on Utah to respond in the second half.
Just out of the locker-room, McGlynn was called to action again, making a diving save after Sears cut onto her right foot and curled a shot towards the far post. The Royals continued to grow into the match, pushing for an equalizer late in the match. In the 69th minute, Cece Delzer’s solo effort was saved by Jordyn Bloomer, and less than five minutes later in the 73rd, newcomer Jameese Joseph missed a shot just wide of the right post after Tanaka won the ball high into Louisville’s half.
With mere seconds left on the clock, the Royals made a final effort to rescue a point in Kentucky. In the 96th minute, substitute Brecken Mozingo delivered, controlling the ball with her chest before unleashing a stunning left-footed volley that soared past an outstretched Bloomer. The goal was Mozingo’s second of the season, and it was worth an important point in the closely-contested NWSL playoff race.
Following October’s two-week international break, Utah Royals FC will return to America First Field on Saturday, October 17th to host two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga and the Kansas City Current. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. MT, with tickets available for purchase here.
URFC Next Home Match: 10/17 @ America First Field
URFC takes on North Carolina Courage at home! Secure your seats for an unforgettable match at America First Field.
URFC | Sportsish Ticket Packages
On October 17 at America First Field, Utah Royals FC and Sportsish present a one-of-a-kind “Gameday for the Girls” experience, celebrating the women who are shaping the game today and inspiring the next generation to lead it tomorrow.
LOU 1 : 1 UTA
LOU: Katie O’Kane (Unassisted) 42’: After a VAR review, Hammond was called for a foul on Wright in the box during a Louisville corner kick. O’Kane stepped up and converted the penalty with a strike that deflected off the left post before hitting the back of the net.
UTA: Brecken Mozingo (Unassisted) 90+6’: Nuria Rábano’s cross was headed clear by a Louisville defender but fell into the path of Mozingo. The Utah native controlled with her chest before firing a left-footed, low-driven volley that rattled the bottom-right corner of the net.
LINEUPS:
Utah Royals FC (4-3-3): Mandy McGlynn; Miyabi (Brecken Mozingo, 80’), Kate Del Fava ©, Kaleigh Riehl, Nuria Rabano; Madison Hammond (Paige Cronin, 46’), Narumi, Mina Tanaka; Cece Delzer, Kiana Palacios (Jameese Joseph, 68’), Cloe Lacasse
Subs not used: Tatumn Milazzo, Kameron Simmonds, Dayana Pierre-Louis, Courtney Brown, Mia Justus, Alexa Spaanstra
Head Coach: Jimmy Coenraets
Racing Louisville FC (5-3-2): Jordyn Bloomer; Quincy McMahon (Macy Phillipus, 65’), Mirann Gacioch, Arin Wright, Courtney Petersen, Makenna Morris; Katie O’Kane, Audrey McKeen (Savannah Demelo, 90+1’), Macey Hodge (Lauren Milliet, 65’); Sarah Weber (Maja Lardner, 78’), Emma Sears (Kayla Fischer, 65’)
Subs not used: Maddie Prohaska, Ellie Jean, Rachel Hill, Taylor White
Head Coach: Bev Yanez
Stats Summary: LOU / UTA
Possession: 42% / 58%
Shots: 11 / 16
Shots on Goal: 4 / 4
Corner Kicks: 3 / 5
Fouls: 16 / 16
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY:
UTA: Maddison Hammond (Yellow Card - 11’)
LOU: Macey Hodge (Yellow Card - 33’)
LOU: Sarah Webber (Yellow Card - 45+3’)
UTA: Mina Tanaka (Yellow Card - 45+5’)
UTA: Kiana Palacios (Yellow Card - 66’)
LOU: Jordyn Bloomer (Yellow Card - 90+3’)
Photo Assets — Please Credit Utah Royals FC
