Utah Royals FC fell 3-2 to Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, July 6, 2026, at Northwestern Medicine Field, as Jordyn Huitema netted a second‑half brace to seal the win for the visitors.

How did the match unfold?

Chicago opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Brianna Pinto delivered a cross that Huitema turned home with her left foot. The Royals answered before halftime; a mis‑clearance by Aaliyah Farmer let Cloé Lacasse collect the ball and fire a 14‑yard strike in the 43rd minute to level the score. Early in the second half, VAR intervened after a challenge by Taylor Wood on Cece Delzer, awarding Utah a penalty that Delzer converted, putting the Royals ahead at 2‑1.

Why was the result significant for Utah Royals FC?

The loss marks Chicago’s fourth victory of the 2026 NWSL season and a bounce‑back after a shaky start. For the Royals, it highlights defensive lapses that cost them two self‑inflicted goals. Coach Craig Hirsch praised the team’s fighting spirit but warned that conceding easy chances could jeopardize a playoff push. The defeat also leaves Utah sitting just outside the top‑four, needing points in the coming weeks to stay in contention.

What does this mean for the Royals moving forward?

Coach Hirsch will likely reassess his back‑line, especially after the free‑kick error that led to Chicago’s opening goal. With top scorer Cloé Lacasse sitting at four goals in 13 appearances this season, the Royals will lean on her to keep the attack ticking. The team must tighten up set‑piece defending while maintaining the offensive threat that got them back in the game. The next fixture against the Portland Thorns will be a test of whether Utah can turn the tide.

Key fact: Cloé Lacasse remains the league’s top scorer this season with four goals in 13 appearances, underscoring her importance as Utah looks to climb the table.

The Royals will head into their next match with a point to prove they can close out games, while Chicago celebrates a hard‑earned three points that could fuel a late‑season surge.