The heat, humidity, and physical play of the Houston Dash were not enough to keep the Utah Royals from emerging from Texas with three points on the backs of yet another game-winning goal from Mina Tanaka as well as an heroic performance from Kate Del Fava.
The victory vaulted the Royals into third place to end Saturday night, but results from Sunday could change the look of the NWSL standings drastically. With 42 points, Utah is five points clear of eighth place and nine points away from dropping out of the playoffs.
Tanaka to the Rescue, Again
Look up the word “clutch” and you will find a picture of Mina Tanaka. The Japanese international netted her ninth goal of the season for the Royals, bringing her level with Amy Rodriguez for the most in a single-season. Tanaka has been primarily playing underneath the front line in 2026, rather than leading the line as she has in years past.
Her goal against Houston marked her fifth game-winner of 2026, a Utah Royals club record. She trails only red-hot Ashley Sanchez in that category, who has six. It also was her sixth game-winning goal of her NWSL career, another Utah club record. She has been given the freedom to be herself by Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets and the Royals are reaping the benefits of having a free-flowing Tanaka pulling the strings of this explosive attack.
Del Fava Shows Some Steel
Early in the first half, the two-time ironwoman rose up to contest a header and came back to earth with a large goose egg that even had Houston fans wincing. Unphased, the Del Fava allowed the athletic trainers to apply a bandage after clearing concussion protocol and then rejoined the match. A moment that encapsulated her warrior-like mentality.
Del Fava recorded seven defensive contributions on the night, as the Royals defense recorded their first shutout since July 18 vs Orlando Pride. With her head bandaged, Del Fava rarely challenged for headers, but despite playing limited, she managed to win all of her duels and only recorded one foul in her 90 minutes. Her recovery speed was on full display on multiple occasions as she snuffed out the Dash front line’s efforts. As a result, the Dash failed to register a single shot on goal.
Utah’s defense was a key factor in the team’s success during the first half of the season, and a shutout on the road goes a long way to re-establishing what this team’s defensive identity is.
Looking to continue the momentum after the win, the Royals are back at home next week against Angel City on Sunday, September 20, at America First Field. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. MT, with the tickets available here.
URFC Next Home Match: 9/20 @ America First Field
Pups at the Pitch Night!
Get a ticket for you and your pup for URFC vs Angel City FC at home! This match also features a halftime Wiener dog race and Swig Sunday $3 drinks at America First Field!
