Utah Royals FC Returns Home to Face Chicago Stars FC Following East Coast Trip
NWSL Utah Royals FC

Utah Royals FC Returns Home to Face Chicago Stars FC Following East Coast Trip

Published on April 2, 2026 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Utah Royals FC News Release


HERRIMAN, Utah - Utah Royals FC (1-1-2, 4 pts) returns to the Beehive State to host Chicago Stars FC (1-0-3, 3 pts) for the first time in the 2026 campaign on Friday, April 3, at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. MT.

Utah enters Friday's contest following its first win of the 2026 season, earning a 2-1 victory on the road against 2026 expansion side Boston Legacy FC. The Royals opened the scoring off a well-executed set piece, as Canadian forward Cloé Lacasse delivered a precise ball to the far post, where defender Tatumn Milazzo finished first-time to give Utah the lead. The goal marked Milazzo's second of the season, while Lacasse recorded her second assist of the campaign.

Utah doubled its advantage early in the second half after earning the sixth penalty in Royals history in the 49th minute. Slovenian international Lara Prašnikar stepped up and confidently struck her attempt into the top-left corner, securing her second goal of the season and extending the Royals' lead to 2-0. Prašnikar is the sixth unique penalty kick taker in Royals history.

Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets and his squad now look to build on that performance after finishing their East Coast road trip unbeaten, capturing four points across matches against the Washington Spirit and Boston. Going back to mid-August of last season, the Royals have suffered just 4 defeats in the last 15 regular season matches, winning six and drawing five. Utah will aim to carry that momentum into its return home as it searches for its first home win of the 2026 campaign.

Now in his second full season at the helm, Coenraets continues shaping a balanced roster built on defensive organization, midfield control, and attacking creativity. Friday's match presents an opportunity for Utah to extend its unbeaten run to three matches and secure three points in front of its home crowd.

Chicago Stars FC enters the matchup with a 1-0-3 record, most recently falling 2-0 on the road to San Diego Wave FC, marking back-to-back losses. Led by Head Coach Martin Sjögren, Chicago will look to respond and secure points away from home.

Friday's contest marks the fifth match of the 2026 NWSL regular season for both sides, with each team aiming to secure valuable early-season points.

UTA v CHI Game Notes

BROADCAST INFORMATION

WATCH LIVE on KMYU with JP Chunga and Carla Haslam:: Utah Royals FC vs. Chicago Stars FC | America First Field | 7:00 p.m. MT | KMYU (2.2 over air / 12 satellite / 643 Comcast HD)

OR

WATCH LIVE on Victory+ with Josh Eastern and Jill Loyden:: Utah Royals FC vs. Chicago Stars FC | America First Field | 7:00 p.m. MT

OR

LISTEN via KSL Sports Radio (102.7 FM / 1160 AM) starting at 6:30 p.m. MT

Following Friday's match in Sandy, Utah Royals will hit the road to the Emerald City to face Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, April 26, at Lumen Field after the two week international break. Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. MT, with the match streaming on Victory+.

Check out the Utah Royals FC Statistics

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from April 2, 2026


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