In the final game of the 2018 NWSL regular season, Utah Royals FC closed the final home game against the very same team they faced for their home opener back in April, the Chicago Red Stars. This time with NWSL leading goalscorer Sam Kerr.
The Royals were also a different team from that hope opener, with the return of Kelley O’Hara to the starting 11 and the addition of Christen Press, who joined the team via trade back in April. It was the first time that Laura Harvey was able to utilize an attacking line with O’Hara, Amy Rodriguez, and Press leading the way.