By: Mickinley Briggs
Sunday, September 27, 2026
The Utah Royals (now 14-3-9, 45 points, 4th NWSL) entered Sunday’s matchup against the North Carolina Courage (now 12-3-11, 39 points, 9th NWSL) determined to bounce back from last week’s overwhelming home loss against Angel City FC, ultimately doing so by securing a 2-1 victory over the Courage in front of 5,572 fans at America First Field. The win was a result of Canadian international Cloé Lacasse, who netted her 7th goal this season in the first half, and NWSL veteran Cece Delzer, who doubled the score with a second-half goal. The match also featured an important milestone for URFC midfielder Madison Hammond, who made her 100th NWSL appearance.
Lacasse Makes History, Delzer Notches Another
In the 17th minute, Japanese-international Miyabi crossed from the right side to Lacasse, who headed the ball past the North Carolina keeper and into the back of the net. The goal not only gave the Royals an early 1-0 edge in the match, but also marked multiple milestones for the Club. The header was Lacasse’s 8th goal this season, giving her a total of 18 goal contributions (8 goals, 10 assists), breaking her own record for the most contributions in one season in Utah history. Just two weeks prior, Utah announced a contract extension for Lacasse through the 2028 NWSL season, as the forward continues to prove her spot on this team by shattering both Royals and NWSL records. Lacasse has maintained a strong presence in the URFC history books, having notched the first hat-trick in Utah history in a 3-0 victory against the Seattle Reign FC in October 2024. Now, as Utah’s all-time leader in goal contributions, Lacasse will be pivotal in the Club’s push towards playoffs.
After NWSL Golden Boot leader Ashley Sanchez found the net late in the first half, Delzer responded with her own goal. In the 65th minute, the Kansas-native made a breakaway after receiving the ball from Japanese midfielder Mina Tanaka, and rocketing a shot into the net, giving the Royals a 2-1 lead. The goal marked the NWSL veteran’s fifth of the 2026 campaign, and the 25th of her career, making her the 40th player in the league to reach the milestone. Also not a stranger to Royals’ milestones, Delzer recorded a brace earlier this season, helping the Royals secure a 5-1 win over the Portland Thorns in what is now the highest-scoring URFC match in Club history.
#99 Tallies Her 100th
Making her fifth start for the Royals this season, Hammond stepped onto the pitch at the beginning of the match, securing her 100th regular-season appearance. The defensive midfielder joined the Royals prior to the 2026 season, after spending four seasons with Angel City FC. Hammond began her career with the Seattle Reign, making her debut on September 26, 2020 against the Utah Royals, marking almost six years to the day that she made history as the first-ever Native American player in the NWSL. The Arizona-native is known for her versatile ability to thrive in both the midfield and the back line along with her reliance under pressure.
The win over North Carolina secured Coach Jimmy Coenraets his 25th with Utah, becoming the 12th coach in NWSL history to reach that mark with one club. The victory also gave Utah its eighth this season, cementing a new club record before the 2026 campaign is up, and giving the Royals all the momentum it needs to stay strong with four regular-season matches remaining during the 2026 campaign.
Looking Ahead
Now, the Royals head to Kentucky to take on Racing Louisville FC on Saturday, October 3rd with kickoff set for 2:00 p.m. MT. The Royals will then return home to America First Field to host Kansas City Current on Saturday, October 17th with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. MT. Tickets for the home match are 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.
