Mina Tanaka Gives Utah Royals Early Lead Over Reigning Champion Orlando Pride
Aug 3, 2025, 4:33 PM
Mina Tanaka celebrates her game winning goal versus Portland Thorns FC. Photo courtesy of NWSL on X.
Utah Royals forward Mina Tanaka caught the Orlando goalkeeper out of position and sent a shot from long range to open scoring on Sunday.
The goal was Tanaka’s second of the season.
SHEEESH MINA TANAKA FROM DISTANCE 🚀 pic.twitter.com/B3LJr9cR5W
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 3, 2025
Through 13 games this season, the Royals have scored first just three times.
Playing against one of the top clubs in the NWSL, it was important to build momentum early. Especially considering the Pride are a perfect 7-0-0 when scoring first.
Three minutes after the score, Claudia Zornoza hit the post with a shot. Three minutes after that, Imani Dorsey forced a save in the bottom corner.
The Royals came out aggressively, forcing Orlando to play on its heels as they looked to extend their lead.
Utah Royals Look To End Winless Streak Against Orlando Pride
Coming into the match, the Utah Royals sit at the bottom of the NWSL table without a win in their last eight matches. Plagued by injuries and recently trading star striker Ally Sentnor to Kansas City, hope for a postseason appearance this season is already fading.
Meanwhile, the reigning champion Orlando Pride are still very much in the hunt and they hold the third spot in the league at 8-4-1.
This is the second match between Utah and Orlando this season. On May 23, the Pride stole a 3-1 win at America First Field.
Follow the Utah Royals with KSL Sports
The Utah Royals will return home to take on Ally Sentnor and the Kansas City Current on Friday, August 8. Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. MT.
Live radio calls of every game can be found on sports.ksl.com. Select games will be broadcast on the KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM/1280 AM) and KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM/1160 AM).
