Canadian forward Cloé Lacasse remains a central figure in the Utah Royals' offensive efforts, following a recent road match in Evanston, Illinois, where the club suffered a narrow loss to the Chicago Stars. Despite finding the back of the net twice during the contest, a late goal by Chicago prevented the Royals from securing valuable points after their first NWSL appearance in over a month.
Lacasse's Scoring Pedigree
The recent performance in Illinois highlights Lacasse's ongoing impact as a primary scoring threat for the Royals. According to ESPN, Lacasse has demonstrated consistent goal-scoring ability against various NWSL opponents, including recorded goals against the Houston Dash, Angel City FC, and Seattle Reign FC.
Lacasse's career is marked by significant achievements across several international leagues. Before joining the Utah Royals in August 20 4, the 33-year-old forward played for prominent clubs such as Arsenal in the Women's Super League and Benfica in Portugal. During her tenure with Benfica, she scored over 100 goals and secured eight trophies, including three league titles. Her time in Iceland with ÍBV also saw her named Player of the Year and win both the Icelandic Cup and the League Cup.
Coenraets' Coaching Impact
The Royals' recent season has been defined by a period of significant transition and growth. The club's technical leadership was solidified when Jimmy Coenraets, who joined the staff as an assistant coach in June 2024, was promoted to interim head coach in July following a club reorganization. His permanent contract now extends through the 2027 season.
Coenraets brought a proven track record of revitalizing struggling programs to Utah. Prior to his arrival in Utah, he led the Belgian club OH Leuven from the bottom of the league to a highly successful period, accumulating 77 wins, 26 draws, and only 12 losses over five seasons. His performance in Belgium earned him the Belgium Pro League Manager of the Year award for the 2021–2022 season.
Climbing the Standings
Under Coenraets' direction, the Utah Royals experienced an immediate surge in performance during the latter half of the previous season. The team tripled its point total compared to the first half of the year, posting a 5-3-2 record and concluding the campaign with a four-game unbeaten streak. This momentum lifted the club from the bottom of the league standings to within just four points of a playoff position.
The coach's philosophy, which emphasizes both player development and a commitment to winning, has been central to this turnaround. Coenraets, who holds a UEFA A Coaching Licence, continues to focus on fostering a productive environment for players like Lacasse as the team looks to build upon its established foundation.
International and Collegiate Roots
Lacasse's journey to the NWSL includes a decorated collegiate career at the University of Iowa. As the school's top scorer for all four seasons, she recorded 43 goals and 26 assists, tying her for the program record with 112 points. Her accolades at Iowa included being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week twice and earning All-Big Ten First Team honors during her senior year.
Beyond her club success, Lacasse has been a mainstay for the Canada national team. She made her international debut in November 2021 against Mexico and went on to represent her country at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Her international career also includes winning a silver medal at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship.
Looking Forward
While the recent road loss to Chicago serves as a setback, the Royals continue to rely on Lacasse's veteran presence in the forward position. The club remains focused on building upon the progress made under Coenraets' leadership as they navigate the remainder of the NWSL season.
