By: Jay Kostal
The Royals suffer a tough 2-0 loss against Kansas City Current despite positives from the match.
Return of the Captain
It was a night to celebrate for Utah Royals captain Paige Cronin as she made her 100th NWSL start in the Breast Cancer Awareness and Pink Scrunchie match. The New Jersey native started her career with Gotham FC and played as a right sided winger for the East Coast club. In 2023, the veteran forward headed down south, where she made 22 appearances for Racing Louisville and netted three times. Since arriving to Utah in 2024, Cronin has doubled her career goals with nine goals across three seasons and taking her to 18 total NWSL goals.
Cronin started to wear a pink scrunchie during the start of her career so her mother could recognize her on the field amongst the other players. The Royals inaugural captain also started a new tradition of handing out her iconic pink scrunchies to fans. In 2025, Cronin combined her pink scrunchies with breast cancer awareness in honor of her aunt who is a breast cancer survivor. Last year, Cronin and the Royals players worked together to start the Utah Royals Breast Cancer Awareness auction to donate to Intermountain Health to support free mammogram screens for women in underserved communities.
Impact Across the Pitch
On Saturday, Spanish midfielder Ana Tejada returned to the starting line-up for the first time in two games, serving a red card suspension for her booking against Angel City FC. Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets showed his trust and reliance in Tejada, reinstating her instantly into the starting lineup against Kansas City. This season, Tejada made her 50th NWSL and Utah Royals FC appearance during the Royals 2-2 draw against Portland Thorns on May 30th. Against the Current, Tejada controlled the midfield for 86 minutes before making her way off the pitch.
Utah native Brecken Mozingo made her first start since March 25th, when the Royals tied the Washington Spirit 1-1 at Audi Field. Mozingo was coming off a late equalizer in the dying moments against Racing Louisville, where she scored a beautiful shot from outside the penalty area to give the Royals a crucial point away at Lynn Family Stadium. This season, Mozingo made her 50th NWSL and Royals appearances, capping off this achievement with two goals this season.
What’s Next
Utah Royals FC faces Seattle Reign on Friday October 23rd in the last regular season home match of 2026 and then heads east for Decision Day matchup against Gotham FC.
URFC Next Home Match: 10/23 @ America First Field
URFC takes on Seattle Reign at home! Secure your seats for an unforgettable match at America First Field.
