By Javier Mico-Crump
14,149 fans packed the stands at America First Field on Friday night, cheering on the Utah Royals as they battled the Seattle Reign for a playoff spot in the final home game of the 2026 regular season. After a 0-0 draw against Seattle in a heavily disputed 90 minutes, and a suspenseful wait for confirmation of the Portland Thorns’ win over the North Carolina Courage, fans, players, and staff alike exulted as the Royals clinched its first-ever NWSL playoff appearance.
Friday’s historic achievement was made possible by a dominant defensive display by the Royals, who kept their fourth home clean sheet of the season and first since July 18 against the Orlando Pride. While Utah didn’t get on the scoreboard, veteran forward Cece Delzer had flashes of brilliance, igniting various attacking opportunities with her creativity and skill on the ball.
The Wasatch Wall
Needing a result in one of the most important matches in Club history, the Royals defense delivered a playoff-worthy performance. Utah shut down Seattle’s offense for a majority of the encounter, conceding just one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes of play, and keeping Seattle scoreless for the second straight time after logging a 3-0 shutout win back in April.
Fresh off her first minutes with the USWNT against Spain on October 13, Kate Del Fava proved why she is one of the nations’ best defenders on Friday. Making her 94th consecutive regular season start, the Kenosha, Wisconsin native had a commanding presence on the pitch, leading the game in defensive contributions with 10 in addition to having the most touches (92). Friday's draw was Del Fava’s 19th career clean sheet with Utah, a Club record she’s earned throughout her time with both iterations of the Royals.
Del Fava was reinforced by her centerback partner Kaleigh Riehl, who made her 100th career NWSL regular-season start on Friday. Riehl provided poise and control, making five defensive contributions in addition to completing the most passes in the match with extraordinary accuracy (70/71, 99% accuracy). Barely tested but ready when needed, goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn was Utah’s last line of defense, saving the one shot that Seattle registered on target all game. With the clean sheet, McGlynn now has 14 as a Royal —the most-ever by a Utah ‘keeper— moving her into third place in the Club’s all-time standings.
Delzer Dazzles In Home Finale
After taking on the role of central attacking midfielder in the absence of Japanese International Mina Tanaka last week, Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets moved Cece Delzer back out to her native right wing against the Reign on Friday. Delzer thrived on the right touchline, using her footwork, speed, and vision to create a game-high four chances in her 90 minutes on the field. When Delzer is in the zone she can be hard to stop, and she also completed the most dribbles of any player in the match with her skillful play. While Utah was unable to score, Delzer was named the Royals’ player of the match, a testament to her quality and vital importance to this playoff side.
With a postseason spot secured and the possibility of hosting a playoff game on the line, Utah Royals FC will travel to face league leaders Gotham FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday, November 1. The Decision Day bout is set to kickoff at 3:00 p.m. MT, with the match streaming information to be determined.
