By: Jay Kostal
Utah Royals FC return home this Friday, August 14, to face Bay FC at America First Field. Looking to rebound from a 2-1 defeat to Denver Summit FC, the Royals have a chance to earn three points and strengthen its lead in the top half of the table.
This edition of storylines will focus on the organized defense that has helped the Royals push toward the top three of the table, and take a closer look at the high pressing Bay FC offense that nearly broke through against Chicago Stars FC.
The Royals Organized Defense Led by Kate Del Fava
Utah Royals FC have conceded the fifth-fewest goals this season with 21, with Iron Woman and captain, Kate Del Fava leading the team’s defense. Since arriving in Utah for the 2024 season, Del Fava’s leadership, organization, and commanding voice have helped anchor the Royals’ backline. Under Head Coach Jimmy Coenraet’s defense-first approach, she has become the first name on the team sheet for every match.
Del Fava made a splash during her first season with the club, featuring in all 26 matches during the 2024 NWSL season. On June 16, 2024, Del Fava turned in one of her best performances for the Royals of the season, helping lead the team to a 1-0 victory over Bay FC. She capped off the performance by scoring the game-winning goal, a towering header over the outstretched hand of the Bay goalkeeper that marked the second goal of her career.
Del Fava showed off her organization, communication, and leadership last season, as her constant presence helped guide the Royals through a difficult season marked by injuries. Partnering with a different center back throughout the season while continuing to guide the team to strong results gave Del Fava the confidence to enter this season ready to lead the backline.
Earlier this month, Del Fava was named to the Best XI for the Month of July as the Royals ended the month having conceded just two goals across three games. She played a pivotal role in the 1-0 home victory over the Orlando Pride, as the visitors struggled to generate offense, managing just four shots in total. Del Fava opened the scoring in the Royals’ 4-1 road victory over North Carolina Courage on July 25, 2026, with a strong header at the back post off a corner kick swung in by Nuria Rábano. Her veteran experience helped Utah remain composed defensively as the Courage sent wave after wave of attacks.
Bay FC Searches for First Victory over Utah
This Friday’s match will mark the sixth time Utah Royals FC face off against Bay FC, as Utah Royals FC have an unbeaten 3-0-2 (W-L-T) record against the California side. A tough 0-0 draw earlier in the season on May 10, 2026, extended the Royals to five consecutive clean sheets. Utah were unlucky to come away without all three points, as its defense prevented Bay FC from creating any dangerous scoring chances.
Bay FC returned from the NWSL break with a 2-2 draw before stringing together back-to-back clean-sheet victories. A crucial part of the team’s identity during that three-game unbeaten streak was forcing high turnovers (within 40 yards of goal). However, the California side has scored just twice in its last four matches, going 0-3-1 over that stretch. Struggles to capitalize on high turnovers have led to the dip in form, despite taking at least two shots off forced high turnovers in each of its last eight matches.
The clash of styles will take place this weekend when the Royals face Bay FC, with kickoff scheduled for Friday at 8:00 p.m. MT at America First Field. Tickets available at www.rsl.com/utahroyals/tickets/
