Utah Royals FC have vaulted into the NWSL spotlight thanks to forward Cloé Lacasse, whose four goals in nine appearances and the club’s first hat‑trick propelled the team to a league‑leading start in 2026.

How did Lacasse spark the Royals' early success?

Lacasse arrived from Europe after stints at Benfica (2019‑2023) and Arsenal (2023‑2024), debuting for Utah in the 2025 season. Her debut goal came on March 12, 2026, against the Houston Dash, and she followed that with a three‑goal burst on October 14, 2024 – the first hat‑trick in club history. Those strikes helped Utah post a 10‑game unbeaten streak that lasted until July 5, 2026, when Chicago Stars snapped it.

What does her leadership mean for the locker room?

At 33, Lacasse says she’s shifting from pure scorer to culture‑builder. She and veteran defender Tatumn Milazzo shared rehab stories after both suffered ACL injuries in 2024, creating a bond that now fuels daily training talks. “Having someone to connect with one‑on‑one makes the grind easier,” Lacasse explained. Her focus on a “growth mindset” pushes younger players to challenge themselves, a philosophy she credits for the team’s disciplined defensive record – only 12 goals conceded in the first 15 matches.

How does her international experience influence Utah’s play?

Since earning her first cap for Canada in 2021, Lacasse has featured in 47 matches, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. She brings that high‑pressure experience to the Royals, often directing set‑piece routines and guiding the midfield’s positioning. While Canada chases a 2027 World Cup spot, Lacasse balances national duties with club commitments, offering Utah a tactical edge against rivals who lack recent World Cup exposure.

What’s next for the Royals and Lacasse?

The team sits in the top four of the NWSL standings as of July 10, 2026, and aims to extend its unbeaten run into the playoffs. Lacasse will target double‑digit goal totals by season’s end, hoping to break the club’s single‑season record of 12 goals set in 2022. Off the pitch, she’s slated to co‑host a community soccer clinic on August 15, reinforcing her role as a bridge between the Royals and Salt Lake’s growing fan base.

The partnership between Utah Royals FC and Real Salt Lake continues to leverage the 2026 World Cup buzz, with joint watch parties and youth outreach events drawing thousands of supporters each weekend.