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SANDY — Technically, Utah Royals FC aren’t already in the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs — but the players of the first-year expansion side are feeling the do-or-die nature of their current situation as the NWSL hits the final five games of the regular season.
And they've still got everything to play for.
"We really needed a win, and it helped get us back into the playoff run," said Utah forward Katie Stengel, who scored the game-winner in a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Houston Dash. "I think that win helps us moving forward."
The Royals turn around almost immediately and host former BYU star Ashley Hatch and the Washington Spirit at 8 p.m. MT Wednesday at Rio Tinto Stadium.
The game, which will be streamed live on KSL.com and the KSL TV app, is the second of three matches in seven days during a busy spell that will likely decide the Royals’ season.
After Sunday’s win, Utah (6-6-7, 25 points) vaulted over Houston for sixth place in the league, just four points behind the Portland Thorns for the final playoff berth. While the loss doesn’t mathematically eliminate the Dash from postseason contention, it felt like the opposite effect for a Royals squad that went the entire month of July without a win.
"We had a three-game week a while ago, and we were so disappointed not to get a win in any of those games," said Utah coach Laura Harvey after Sunday’s victory. "We knew that tonight was a huge opportunity to get three points, and we’ve got to take this momentum now into Wednesday."
The Spirit (2-13-4, 10 points) have been eliminated from the playoffs, sitting ahead of just woeful and winless Sky Blue FC in the league table. Utah also plays at the New Jersey-based side next Saturday, Aug. 18. Washington was also the first team to lose to the Royals when Utah topped the Spirit side 2-0 back in May.
Four of the Royals’ final five games of the season are against teams that currently sit within three points of the standings or below — including two against Washington.
While North Carolina (15-1-4) has already clinched the league's regular-season title, the Courage’s sprint past the rest of the field has left the rest of the table more packed together. Seattle Reign FC (9-4-6) holds a three-point edge on second place with 33 points, while five points separate Orlando (8-6-6), Portland (8-6-5), Chicago (7-4-7) and Utah (6-6-7) in the standings.
"Every game is a must-win for us," Stengel said. "I think that was a huge win for us going forward."
North Carolina (15-1-4, 49 points)*
Seattle Reign FC (9-4-6, 33 points)
Orlando Pride (8-6-6, 30 points)
Portland Thorns FC (8-6-5, 29 points)
Chicago Red Stars (7-4-7, 28 points)
Utah Royals FC (6-6-7, 25 points)
Houston Dash (6-8-5, 23 points)
Washington Spirit (2-13-4, 10 points)+
Sky Blue FC (0-13-4, 4 points)+
*Clinched playoff bid
+Eliminated from playoffs
