Player Spotlight | Milazzo Shines With Fourth Goal of 2026

By: Isabella Rubis 

The Utah Royals hit the road Saturday for its second-ever rivalry matchup against 2026 expansion side Denver Summit FC, looking to build on the momentum of a historic performance last Sunday, August 2nd. The Royals entered the match riding confidence after recording its biggest win in club history, a dominant 5-1 victory over the Portland Thorns that featured veteran forward Cece Delzer’s first NWSL brace, including the game-winner, Utah native Brecken Mozingo’s first goal of 2026, and a record-setting second-half performance from Cloé Lacasse, who became just the second player in NWSL history to record three assists in a single half.

The Saturday evening away match marked a historic milestone for Mozingo, who made her 50th NWSL appearance, all coming in a URFC jersey. The 25-year-old attacker has been a constant with the club since its return to Utah in 2024 and her consistent work-ethic and team mentality has made her an important piece to URFC’s “togetherness” mentality. Along with the milestone for Mozingo, the bright spot of the tough road loss was undoubtedly URFC defender Tatumn Milazzo who netted her fourth goal of the season, the squad's lone goal of the night.

Milazzo Nets Career-High Fourth Goal of 2026 

While Milazzo is known for her work on the defensive side of the pitch, the Utah Royals defender has shown there is another layer to her game and is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Milazzo has transformed herself into an unexpected attacking threat, finding ways to make an impact not only by shutting down opponents defensively, but by creating danger at the other end of the pitch. 

The impact of the 28-year-old veteran was on full display in Denver. Entering as a 68th-minute substitute, Milazzo brought energy to a Royals side searching for a way back into the match. In the 89th minute, she found it. After a cross from Mozingo was deflected by a Denver defender, it fell to Milazzo who calmly settled the ball with a beautiful touch before firing it across the face of the goal and into the far top corner, beating the keeper and breathing new life into the visitors. The equalizer marked her fourth goal of the 2026 NWSL season, the most she has scored in a single season throughout the entirety of her career.

For a player whose primary job is to keep goals out, Milazzo has developed a knack for finishing them herself. Her goal in Denver was more than a much needed momentum boost but another reminder of the confidence and attacking instincts she has developed throughout a stellar season. 

The strong season for Milazzo has been well deserved considering the road she has traveled to get here and her production carries even more weight. Milazzo has been one of the Royals' standout performers since returning from a torn ACL and meniscus in her left knee suffered during training in March of last year. One could argue she is not only back to the player she was prior to injury, but, she is adding new dimensions to her game. The Illinois native worked tirelessly to make her way back onto the pitch and her contributions on both sides of the ball this season are a testament to her relentless attitude. 

While the equalizer ultimately could not prevent the visitors from a loss after the 95th minute score by the home side brought the final score to 2-1, Milazzo had given the Royals and everyone watching a reason to continue to fight for a point on the road. 

URFC returns to America First Field next Friday, August 14, welcoming Bay FC to Sandy, Utah. The home side will look to bounce back following the difficult road loss with the help of its home fans. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 PM MT with tickets available for purchase here.