‘We’re big dogs here’: Royals embrace underdog role ahead of historic playoff debut

SANDY — The Utah Royals have never played a postseason match. On Friday night, they’ll make their playoff debut on the road against a San Diego Wave side that beat them twice during the regular season.

Back home, supporters will have their own opportunity to be part of the occasion. The Royals are hosting an official watch party at the Legacy Club at America First Field, with 500 free tickets available and doors opening at 7 p.m.

The seventh-seeded Royals aren’t concerned about being considered underdogs against second-seeded San Diego. In fact, goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn rather likes it.

“I love a chip on my shoulder. I love people thinking we can’t do it,” McGlynn said following Wednesday’s training session. “Our motto this year is, like, ‘Why not us?’ We’ve already made it this far. Why not us? And don’t count us out.”

She paused, then smiled.

“I just think everyone loves to root for a little underdog. But we say we’re big dogs here, so period.”

For head coach Jimmy Coenraets, the pressure belongs squarely on the hosts.

“I think San Diego has more pressure than we have,” Coenraets said. “We’re putting ourselves in a good mental place as well.”

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Crashing the Wave’s party

San Diego swept the regular-season series, winning 2-1 at America First Field in March before defeating Utah 4-2 at Snapdragon Stadium in August.

The Wave haven’t lost since early September, winning six and drawing one of their final seven matches. Trinity Byars leads the attack with 11 goals, while Melanie Barcenas has added seven.

The Royals have tried two different approaches against San Diego. Neither produced a result, but Coenraets believes they’re closer to finding an answer.

“We’ve tried different things twice, so I think we’re the closest to what we think will be successful against them now,” he said.

San Diego crowds the middle of the pitch, employing a narrow midfield box that allows attacking players to roam into spaces that complicate defensive assignments.

But that freedom comes at a cost. When San Diego commits players forward, the pace of Paige Monaghan and Cloé Lacasse becomes a viable weapon.

“There will be gaps in transitions that we can use, and I do think we have pace up front with Paige, with Chloe, that can benefit from those moments and those spaces becoming available,” Coenraets said.

At the other end, McGlynn knows the Royals can’t afford to be careless in possession. San Diego looks to turn turnovers into scoring chances almost immediately.

“Their transition to kill is really good,” McGlynn said. “I think keeping the ball is gonna be massive, and also just being close enough to stop that transition moment.”

The cavalry arrives 

Utah enters the playoffs having failed to score in three consecutive matches, a stretch that coincides with the absence of leading scorer Mina Tanaka.

The Japanese international has nine goals and five assists this season but missed the final three matches after suffering a hamstring injury on international duty.

Coenraets expects to have a full squad available Friday.

“I think the performance and the medical staff have done a really good job by getting everyone available,” he said. “Everyone should be available, and I think it’s up to us right now to put the pieces together.”

That includes Tanaka, Narumi Miura and Cece Delzer, although some returning players may face minutes restrictions.

Tanaka’s potential return is particularly significant for Lacasse, whose eight goals and 10 assists have made her one of Utah’s most productive attacking players. Coenraets has previously spoken about how Tanaka’s movement and link-up play help bring Lacasse into the attack.

“I think you see that practice today already,” Coenraets said of Tanaka. “Offensively, lots of our balls are going towards her, and she deals well with it.”

No points for pretty

When Coenraets joined the Royals in 2024, Utah was headed for a last-place finish. Two years later, the club is preparing for its first postseason match.

But simply reaching the playoffs isn’t enough.

“I do think there is this feeling of not being satisfied just yet for 2026,” Coenraets said.

“The reality is the climb is the hardest piece, getting into the playoffs. And right now it should be knockout football, and this should be the easier part, in my opinion, because you only have to be consistent for 90 minutes instead of being consistent for 30 games.”

McGlynn, one of the few Royals with previous playoff experience, knows that surviving knockout football isn’t necessarily about playing beautiful football.

“This week, we’re gonna be savages,” she said. “Whatever we need to do, we find a way, and that’s how you get through playoffs. Sometimes it’s not the best soccer. It’s not beautiful, but you find a way to win.”

Match information

Who: No. 7 Utah Royals at No. 2 San Diego Wave

When: Friday, Nov. 6, 8 p.m. MT

Where: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California

Watch: Prime Video