The Utah Royals saw their historic ten-match unbeaten streak come to an end on July 5, 2026, after falling 3-2 to the Chicago Stars FC at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. The loss, which marked the Royals' first match following the international break, left the team with a 7-3-3 record and 24 points in the NWSL standings.
Early Offensive Pressure
The match began with high intensity as the Royals utilized an aggressive offensive strategy. In the 2nd minute, forward Cece Delzer took an early shot on goal, though it was parried by Chicago goalkeeper Katie Atkinson. Moments later, in the 12th minute, Cloè Lacasse drove down the left side and delivered a cross toward the goal, but Atkinson was able to catch the ball to prevent an early lead for Utah.
Chicago Breaks Deadlock
Despite the early pressure from Utah, Chicago managed to break the deadlock in the 20th minute. Following a free kick from Mallory Swanson in the right penalty area that was headed away by Tatumn Milazzo, the Stars regained possession. Brianna Pinto delivered a cross from the left to Jordyn Huitema, who struck a shot from the top of the 6-yard box to give Chicago a 1-0 lead.
Royals Fight Back
The Royals responded by increasing their offensive presence, with midfielder Courtney Brown taking a shot on goal in the 25th minute that failed to convert. In the 43rd minute, Utah found an equalizer when defender Alexa Spaanstra delivered a cross from the right side to Cloè Lacasse. Lacasse sent the ball into the net with a right-footed shot, marking her 5th goal of the season.
Penalty Kick Advantage
Utah briefly took the lead in the 54th minute following a VAR review. After Chicago's Taylor Wood was called for a slide foul on Cece Delzer, the referee overturned the initial decision, awarding a penalty kick. Delzer converted the penalty, marking her second career successful penalty kick and giving Utah a 2-1 advantage. This goal also represented the 4th penalty kick for Utah this season, the highest number in the NWSL.
Goalkeeping Milestones and Ties
The Stars responded quickly to regain parity. In the 59th minute, Ana Tejeda fouled Jordyn Huitema, allowing Sam Staab to convert the resulting free kick and equalize the match at 2-2. The game remained competitive as Utah's Mandy McGlynn recorded her 200th career save, becoming only the 18th goalkeeper in NWSL history to reach the milestone. McGlynn made critical saves in the 78th minute against Bea Franklin and again in the 86th minute against Jameese Joseph and Maitane Lopez.
Late Chicago Victory
Chicago ultimately secured the win in the final minutes of the match. Just 30 seconds after McGlynn parried a shot from Jameese Joseph, Jordyn Huitema took a shot that the goalkeeper could not stop, resulting in a 3-2 lead for the Stars. The Royals were unable to mount another offensive threat before the final whistle. The Chicago Stars moved to a 4-0-9 record with 12 points, while the Royals remain 3rd in the NWSL.
Looking Ahead
Following the loss, the Utah Royals are scheduled to return to America First Field to host Gotham FC on Friday, July 10, with kickoff set for 8:00 p.m. MT.
