HERRIMAN, Utah (Saturday, August 1, 2026) – Utah Royals FC (9-3-5, 30 pts) will stay at home in its last match of a three-game week to host the Portland Thorns (8-4-5, 28 pts) on Sunday, August 2nd with kickoff set for 5:00 p.m. MT. The Royals fell to the Washington Spirit 1-0 earlier this week after a long battle with weather delays and will be looking to make a comeback this weekend by securing a win over the Thorns and earning three points at America First Field.
While the Royals’ loss to the Spirit on Wednesday was a disappointing result, the match saw midfielder Ana Tejada’s 50th start, as she joins Ironwoman Kate Del Fava and goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn as the only URFC players to meet the milestone.
Utah showcased grit in its 1-0 fall to the Spirit, with an hour-long weather delay draining momentum found in the first 20 minutes. Washington used the delay to their advantage, coming out of the locker room and scoring quickly when Paige Metayer sent a cross to USWNT Trinity Rodman, who placed the ball at the back post, giving the Spirit a lead. The Royals were resilient for the remainder of the match, leading to multiple chances on goal, but ultimately were unable to find an equalizer. The Royals showcased strength during its hard-fought battle against league-leading Washington Spirit, proud of the performance despite the result. The match also saw the return of Kaleigh Riehl to the starting XI.
Now, Utah turns its attention toward the Portland Thorns. URFC has avoided defeat in four of its five regular-season meetings during the 2024, 2025, and 2026 seasons against the Thorns. The home team has not won any of the matches between Utah and Portland since the Royals franchise return, with the Royals having notched two wins and a draw in Portland, and the Thorns earning a win and a draw at Utah. The Royals may not be able to rely on a typical home-field advantage against this Portland team. When facing off against the Thorns earlier this season, the Royals found a 2-2 draw in May, with Kiana Palacios and Cloè Lacasse finding the net.
The Thorns enter the matchup on Sunday with a 8-4-5, 28 pts league record, sitting at fifth in the overall NWSL standings, just two points behind the Royals. Portland has not found a win in its last three matches, suffering a 0-2 loss to Seattle Reign on June 12th, falling to Denver Summit 2-1 on July 18th, and finding a 2-2 draw to Gotham FC on June 25th. The Thorns have also conceded 14 goals in the last nine matches, allowing multiple goals in six different games. However, a key player to watch for is Thorns’ Pietra Tordin, who notched her seventh assist of the season on Friday, and is now tied for the most in the NWSL with Croix Bethune, also putting her in the top three of all-time Thorns players to record that many assists. Led by Head Coach Robert Vilahamn, the Portland Thorns will be desperate to find a win after winning just two of their last nine matches.
The Royals will be looking to stay persistent in the attack, and utilize returning players to the backline to secure a victory against Portland, potentially breaking the record for a home win in the developing rivalry. Sunday night’s matchup promises to be fascinating as the Club looks to bounce back following its loss to the Spirit earlier this week, and show the Club has what it takes to win against Portland in its effect to climb the NWSL standings and secure three points in front of a home crowd.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
WATCH LIVE on Victory+ with Josh Eastern and Jill Loyden :: Utah Royals FC vs Portland Thorns | America First Field | 5:00 p.m. MT
OR
LISTEN via KSL Sports Radio (102.7 FM / 1160 AM) starting at 4:30 p.m. MT
Following its home match against Portland, the Royals will head to Colorado to take on Denver Summit FC on Saturday, August 8th, at Centennial Stadium with kickoff set for 2:00 p.m. MT. Following the match against Denver, URFC returns home to host Bay FC at America First Field with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. MT. Tickets are available for purchase at RSL.com.
URFC Next Home Match: 8/2 @ America First Field
URFC takes on Portland Thorns FC at home. Secure your seats for an unforgettable match at America First Field!
