Indio, CA (Sunday, February 15, 2026) - Gusts of wind blew dark clouds over Empire Polo Club at the Coachella Valley Invitational, where Utah Royals FC took the pitch for the first time against NWSL debutants Denver Summit FC in just the second match of Utah’s preseason.

Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets fielded a familiar starting lineup that featured just a couple of new faces. USWNT goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn played behind a backline of Nuria Rábano, Kaleigh Riehl, Kate Del Fava, and newly signed Kameron Simmonds. Another new face, Narumi Miura, paired with Aria Nagai in the midfield. The front four featured Paige Cronin, Cece Delzer, Cloé Lacasse and Lara Prašnikar.

Denver got off to a fast start, scoring within 15 minutes. Service in from the flank was deftly poked around the Royals defender and into the bottom corner to establish a lead for Denver. Utah quickly responded through Prašnikar, who got on the end of a ball sent over the top, but the Slovenian forward was unable to beat the Denver goalkeeper. Nagai also nearly got onto the scoresheet after she picked up the ball in the midfield and was allowed to drive at...