Mina Tanaka helps Utah Royals FC earn first point of NWSL season
Mar 25, 2026, 7:26 PM | Updated: 7:26 pm
The Utah Royals battled to a 1-1 draw with the Washington Spirit on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (Utah Royals FC)
(Utah Royals FC)
WASHINGTON, District of Columbia – Mina Tanaka netted a late goal for the Utah Royals, helping the group battle back from an early deficit to earn the 1-1 decision.
The Royals (0-2-1, 1 point) were in the nation’s capital to face the Washington Spirit (0-1-2, 2 points) at Audi Field on Wednesday, March 25.
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Dueling it out for 90 mins ends in split points 🤝 pic.twitter.com/kYLj0N98MC
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 26, 2026
Utah is now 0-27-2 when conceding first.
The goal was Tanaka’s first of the season and her eighth with the franchise.
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First Half
Utah’s first good offensive build came early in the 13th minute when Kiana Palacios tried to set up former BYU Cougar Brecken Mozingo with a pass into the box. Washington’s defense knocked the ball away, ending the opportunity.
The Spirit grabbed the 1-0 lead in the 18th minute.
U.S. National Team member Trinity Rodman dropped a pass to Sofia Cantore, who attempted a shot that was blocked. The loose ball soared over Royals keeper Mia Justus’ outstretched arms before being headed into the goal by Rebeca Bernal.
YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS.
Trinity Rodman ➡️ Sofia Cantore ➡️ Rebeca Bernal for a clutch Spirit goal 😮💨💪 pic.twitter.com/BZwk3sDos3
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 25, 2026
Washington retained its advantage into the second half.
Second Half
Halftime adjustments didn’t appear to make much difference for the Royals.
Utah battled but couldn’t break through until the 83rd minute.
A MINA TANAKA EQUALIZER 🤯
Mina Tanaka subs in and levels the game out in the second half! pic.twitter.com/WdGJJgh4O6
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 26, 2026
Washington’s Sandy McIver saved a Kate Del Fava shot, but poor ball control led to an immediate turnover inside the box.
Cece Delzer stepped in front of the rolling ball and charged toward the net. McIver held back until the last second when she left her line to challenge Delzer.
Delzer dropped a pass to Tanaka, who found space for a right-footed toe touch goal that evened the match at one apiece.
Neither team could find an advantage in the final seven minutes of regulation and four minutes of stoppage time.
Follow the Utah Royals with KSL Sports
The Utah Royals open their home schedule on Saturday, March 28, against Boston Legacy FC at Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. MT.
Follow the Utah Royals 2026 schedule here.
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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
