After months of anticipation, preparation, and excitement, the day is finally here. The Utah Royals FC face the Orlando Pride to kick off their inaugural season.
The anticipation comes from the excitement surrounding this team. In just four months, the Royals have become one of the most exciting teams in the NWSL. Much of that has to do with how the team came together as RSL ownership and a community welcomed a new team and how 14 players from the FC Kansas City roster embraced the vision in Utah. Along the way, trades brought US National Team member Kelley O’Hara, NWSL veteran Taylor Lytle, and Canadian international Diana Matheson, A Dispersal Draft gave three Boston Breakers a new home, and international players like Gunnhildur Jónsdóttir from Iceland, Elise Thorsnes from Norway, Katrina Gorry from Australia, and Rachel Corsie from Scotland were signed to boost the Royals.