The Utah Royals secured three points in Texas following a shutout victory against the Houston Dash, according to a September 14 report. Mina Tanaka provided the winning goal, while Kate Del Fava contributed a significant defensive performance despite playing with a bandage.
Mina Tanaka scored her ninth goal of the season, tying her for the most single-season goals for the club with Amy Rodriguez. The goal was her fifth game-winner of 2026, setting a Utah Royals club record and marking her sixth career game-winning goal in the NWSL, which also establishes a club record.
Kate Del Fava recorded seven defensive contributions during the match. After an early collision in the first half, Del Fava returned to the game with a bandage after clearing concussion protocol. The Royals' defense earned their first shutout since July 18 against the Orlando Pride, as the Dash failed to register a single shot on goal.
The win moved the Royals into third place in the standings. The team currently holds 42 points, placing them five points ahead of eighth place and nine points away from dropping out of the playoffs.
The Royals are scheduled to play Angel City at America First Field on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 5:00 p.m. MT.
