Storylines | Utah Royals’ Historic Playoff Run Continues with Semifinal Battle at Washington

By: Isabella Rubis 

Utah Royals FC have once again shocked the league, upsetting the second-seeded San Diego Wave FC in the first round of the 2026 NWSL Playoffs, presented by Google Pixel, to continue its historic 2026 season. This weekend, the Royals now travel to the venue dubbed “Rowdy Audi” in Washington, D.C., to take on the star-studded Washington Spirit in the semifinal matchup this Saturday. Powered by the collective “Why Not Us?” mentality, the squad prepares to play together in search of yet another milestone and a spot in the 2026 NWSL Championship match. 

This special second edition of playoff storylines focuses on the incredible Quarterfinal match last Friday at San Diego, the key players on the pitch that helped lift the Royals to its first-ever playoff win, and the upcoming road test that stands between Utah and the 2026 NWSL final.

“Why Not Us?”: Royals Look to Build on First-Ever Playoff Victory  

URFC players, staff and fans have all refocused after celebrating yet another “first” in Club history, as the Royals continued its record-breaking 2026 season by upsetting the second-seeded San Diego Wave Friday at Snapdragon Stadium in a gritty and nailbiting 1-0 win, earning its first-ever playoff victory. 

Not only did most fans, media and former NWSL players predict that the Royals would fall in the road Quarterfinal match, but the visitors arrived at the decisive game with the weight of historical struggles against the Wave, having never earned a point in the previous six matchups - until it mattered most. Utah’s “togetherness” mentality was on full display on Friday evening under the palm trees, with all players working as one to thwart 16 shots by the home side to earn the clean sheet. 

While each individual on the pitch brought immense energy and importance, two players stood out as key game-changers: veteran Goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn and forward Kiana Palacios.

Within the first 10 minutes of Friday’s match, McGlynn showcased her presence between the posts to make critical saves, keeping Utah alive by not conceding early. After making five massive saves throughout the match, the veteran ‘keeper not only demonstrated why she has been a constant for both Club and Country, but she also earned an impressive third career playoff shutout in four appearances, now sharing the record for most playoff clean sheets with the NWSL trio of Aubrey Kingsbury, Nicole Barnhart and Katelyn Rowland.

Along with McGlynn holding it down in goal, Mexican-American forward Palacios provided the crucial goal, calmly netting a beautiful nutmeg shot in the 30th minute, giving Utah the lead and snapping the Royals’ 301-minute scoreless streak. The score was one of poetry, as a perfectly placed cross by Canadian forward Cloé Lacasse - her 11th assist of 2026 - provided Utah its first-ever postseason goal, the ultimate game-winner. 

Friday night served as more than just a victory; it was a statement. One that the Utah Royals have arrived and deserve to be in the conversation as one of the league's best. While URFC entered the postseason as underdogs, the Quarterfinal victory not only put the NWSL on notice but gives the squad momentum and confidence as it heads into a difficult Semifinal clash. As the Utah side gears up for Saturday’s matchup at Washington, the key players throughout the roster will be called upon once again to continue its Cinderella run, inspired by McGlynn’s “Why Not Us?” rallying cry.

Eyeing Another Upset Against the Spirit 

As the Semifinal clash inches closer, the Royals now look to maintain the high-level defense and momentum that lifted the postseason debutants to the 1-0 upset victory over the San Diego Wave on November 6. In order to do so, the Utah side needs to shut down Washington’s key attacking players to continue its historic run and earn a spot in the coveted NWSL Championship game. 

Since the “Return to Royalty” in early 2024, URFC has yet to secure a road victory over the Spirit, boasting two draws at Audi Field the last two seasons, after falling there in 2024. Although history may favor the home side, the Royals “Why Not Us?” mentality has already shined through in its first-ever playoff victory, shocking the world and busting brackets throughout the league.

Just like any NWSL opponent, the Washington Spirit has a roster packed with star power, including defender and 2026 IronWomen, Tara Rudd, and global icon, Trinity Rodman. 

The 24-year-old forward Rodman has been an integral piece to the attack for the Spirit in 2026, using her speed, ball control and creativity in the attacking third to provide an impressive 23 goal contributions (14 goals and nine assists). While Rodman has been the clear attacking threat for the Spirit this season, on the other end of the pitch, is Rudd. The defender has played each-and-every minute of the season for the second time in her career. Not only has Rudd been a constant in the back, thwarting offensive opponents, but the 27-year-old has also contributed to the attack, netting three goals and two assists in 2026. With both Rodman on the attack and Rudd in the back, URFC will look to work as a unit in transition, stifling any offensive opportunities while working the ball seamlessly up the pitch to take the lead and earn the win. 

The highly-anticipated Semifinal matchup between URFC and the Washington Spirit is scheduled to take place this Saturday, November 14, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Kickoff is slated for 10 a.m. MT and will be streaming on CBS and Paramount+. Should the Royals come away with a victory, the squad will await the winner of the Gotham FC and Kansas City Current matchup on Sunday, November 15 to see who will round out the Sat., Nov. 21 Championship matchup, also hosted at Audi Field in the nation’s capitol.