By: Jay Kostal
Mina Tanaka Etches Her Name in Utah Royals History
A brave long ball from Ironwoman Kate Del Fava found the feet of Cece Delzer inside the penalty area, with a San Diego defender draped all over her back. The Royals forward was able to compose herself before calmly dropping the ball back to Mina Tanaka, whose first touch was a left-footed strike that rippled into the upper-left corner of the goal.
The Royals scored immediately after the halftime break when Cloé Lacasse ricocheted the ball to Tanaka, who delivered another one-time left-footed finish into the top-right corner of the net. With the strike, she passed Amy Rodriguez for the most goals in club history, with 15, etching her name even further into the club’s history.
The brace marked Tanaka’s first since October 5, 2025, against the Chicago Stars. In that match, her first goal came after neatly controlling a loose pass from a Stars defender before beautifully chopping the ball back onto her stronger right foot. A low-driven finish gave former USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher no chance as the ball rippled into the back of the net. Tanaka completed her brace from a brilliantly taken penalty kick, tucked perfectly into the side netting despite Naeher making a strong, well-timed dive.
This season, Tanaka has lit up the league with her electrifying finishing and exquisite ball movement, making her a nightmare for opposing defenders to match up against. The dynamic attacking midfielder has been the offensive focal point of a dangerous Utah attack that has challenged at the top of the table since late April of the season, and has the most goals scored in NWSL this year. Her eight goals and four assists give her 12 goal contributions, second in the league behind Lacasse’s 15.
“When your number 10 is becoming your top goals scorer is something very special for us,” Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets spoke about Tanaka’s importance to the club and the impact she has made throughout the season.
“I think every opposition team is looking at her and trying to stop her, but she is learning and adapting every game as well,” Coenraets added about the challenge Tanaka presents to opposing defenses and how difficult she has been to contain.
Tanaka’s Competition for the Club’s Golden Boot
The race for the club’s Golden Boot this season has been a close one between Tanaka and fellow forward Lacasse. The two established stars have been neck-and-neck all season, as whenever one scores or records an assist, the other is sure to follow shortly after.
Recently, Lacasse broke the Utah Royals’ all-time goal contribution record with 19 in the 5-1 victory over the Portland Thorns on August 2, 2026. The Canadian international has continued to raise the standard for the club with her incredible play down the left side, extending her record to 21 all-time goal contributions while recording her ninth assist of the season. Lacasse has also become the third player to reach 15+ goal contributions this season, tying USWNT star Trinity Rodman and sitting just one behind Portland’s rising star, Pietra Tordin, who has 16.
What’s Next
The Royals head to Inter.co Stadium to face off against the Orlando Pride with kickoff scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and streaming on NWSL+. Before returning home to host Boston Legacy FC at America First Field, kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT, tickets available here.
URFC Next Home Match: 9/4 @ America First Field
Utah Royals take on Boston Legacy FC at home! Secure your seats for an unforgettable match at America First Field.
