Utah Royals Settle For One Point Following Chicago Stars Comeback
Oct 5, 2025, 7:06 PM
(Photo courtesy of Utah Royals FC)
(Photo courtesy of Utah Royals FC)
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. — The Utah Royals had to settle for one point on the road after the Chicago Stars FC made a late comeback to even the score at 2-2.
The Chicago Stars FC hosted the Utah Royals at SeatGeek Stadium on Sunday, October 5.
Going home with +1 pic.twitter.com/SbW4yVtznf
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) October 5, 2025
Utah Royals Unbeaten Streak Continues With Draw In Chicago
Coming into the match, Utah hadn’t lost in its last six games. For much of the game against the Stars, it appeared that streak would be extended.
The Royals’ defense was impeccable in the first half. There were only one or two Chicago attempts that were really threatening.
The first of those attempts came in the 20th minute. Ally Schlegel looked to sneak a shot in the bottom right corner, but Mandy McGlynn was able to make the first save of the match.
Seven minutes later, the first Royals attempt came off the foot of Paige Monaghan. She loaded up from the left side of the box, but her shot sailed over the crossbar.
Cloé Lacasse and Janni Thomsen followed up after Monaghan. Chicago’s defense had it locked up, blocking both of those attempts.
Heading into the half, the Stars held a slight advantage in both time of possession and shots taken, but the score remained even at 0-0.
All even at the halfway mark pic.twitter.com/Hv2JTcAVTI
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) October 5, 2025
The momentum quickly shifted after the break, and it all started with Mina Tanaka.
Set up at the top of the box, Manaka juked around a few defenders before burying a shot in the bottom left corner from long range.
The goal was Tanaka’s fourth of the season.
Looooove a rocket of a goal from @minatanaka_9 🚀😮💨 pic.twitter.com/JHpMJEOgMC
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) October 5, 2025
However, she wasn’t done there.
In the 64th minute, Chicago’s Bea Franklin committed a handball in the penalty area, which led to a penalty kick for the Royals.
Tanaka stepped up to the PK spot and once again went for the left side. It was her first penalty goal and first NWSL brace.
A BRACE FOR MINA!
Mina Tanaka is clinical from the spot to double Utah’s lead 👏 https://t.co/mA6Em2xSa6 pic.twitter.com/stQZNlpmUi
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) October 5, 2025
At this point in the match, it felt as if Utah could coast to its fourth-straight win.
But Chicago had something to say about that.
In the 83rd minute, Ivonne Chacón capped off a string of great passes to cut the Royals’ lead in half. Three minutes later, 17-year-old Micayla Johnson scored her first NWSL goal to equalize.
86′ | Tie game#CHIvUTA | 2-2
— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) October 5, 2025
Through four more minutes of regulation and eight minutes of stoppage time, neither side was able to create a late advantage. The final whistle blew with the score knotted at 2-2.
Although the result may be a bit disappointing for Utah, the club’s recent performance continues to be much improved from the early-season product. The Royals haven’t lost a game since early August, and they’ll have three more chances to end the season strong.
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The Utah Royals will stay at home to take on Racing Louisville FC on Friday, September 19. Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. MT.
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