Utah Royals Trade Kelley O’Hara To Washington Spirit

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Royals have traded Kelley O’Hara to the Washington Spirit for $75,000 in allocation money plus a future 2022 first-round pick if O’Hara plays in at least half of the Spirits games in 2021.

O’Hara spent the previous three seasons with the Royals despite only managing 14 appearances for the club. It has long been known that O’Hara has aspirations to one day finish her career in Washington where she owns a home.

One of the first in the Royal Court, thanks for the memories and good luck in Washington!

Once a Royal, always a Royal, @kelleymohara 👑

👑: https://t.co/3fAtB4K13x pic.twitter.com/W4ZJM7VFR6

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) December 2, 2020

End Of An Era In Utah

The departure of O’Hara signifies the end of an era for the Utah Royals as she becomes the last national team player to depart the club. Previously, Becky Sauerbrunn, who is now playing for the Portland Thorn and Christen Press, who is in England playing for Manchester United along with O’Hara spent time with the Royals over the past two seasons.

O’Hara leaves Utah following a ten-year stint with the national team. Over her international career, she has played 132 games for the United States of America, including six starts at right-back during the 2019 World Cup in which the USA eventually won.

Amy Rodriguez remains the only player on the Royals roster who has had international experience for the USA team.

Royals Scandals

The trade between the Spirit and the Royals comes during a time of uncertainty for women’s soccer in Utah with speculation the club may be moved back to Kansas City amidst owner Dell Loy Hansen’s attempt to sell.

The Royals have also suffered scandals of their own as of late, with former manager Craig Harrington recently fired following allegations of misbehavior.

This story will be updated with more information as it becomes available.