Utah Royals excited for historic return

SANDY, Utah (ABC4 Sports) – Amy Rodriguez was at the Utah Royals first ever game back in 2018 as a player, and now she’s back as team’s head coach, ready to led the Royals return Saturday night.

“I think the energy this time around is even bigger than better than last time,” said Rodriguez. “Obviously more people know about the Royals now we have this redemption feeling of coming back. Finally the return to royalty.”

“We’re so excited just for the whole atmosphere to have the fans here to bring the Royals back,” added Royals defender Kaleigh Riehl. “It has just been exciting this entire preseason.”

Just like in 2018, the 2024 iteration of the Royals is an expansion team. Utah has plenty of NWSL experience, but for the most part, they’ve only been together for the last seven weeks.

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“Being an expansion team is the most difficult task because we’ve got 24 players coming from 24 different environments,” said Rodriguez. “But I’m taking it in stride and I think we brought in the very best group we can find.”

“I think we’re really lucky because we have a good group of girls who I think have a good foundation and similar values, and I think that always helps,” said Royals defender Imani Dorsey. “We have, of course, great leadership in Amy.”

Having the Royal’s all-time goal scorer in Rodriguez (14 goals from 2018-2020) as the head coach only helps the continuity in building a new foundation in Utah.

“She gets it, right?” said Riehl. “She lived this life, so she understands it. She knows what we need. She’s knowledgeable, everyone respects her. So it’s been great.”

“I love watching my team play,” said Rodriguez “It’s definitely been a fun experience seeing the game through the coach’s lens. The responsibility that I have right now, I just I don’t take it lightly.”

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With a sold out crowd on tap for tomorrow’s first Royals game since 2020, which will be the highest attended women’s soccer game in Utah history, the community’s support and excitement for the Royals return has meant the world to the team.

“I’ve definitely felt the the welcoming home and the excitement from the fans,” Dorsey said.
Even my fiance, they would be in the store wearing a Utah Royals sort of is like how they carry it. So that’s really exciting.”

“As a player here, I felt the support from the community,” Rodriguez said. “And now as a coach, it’s overwhelming. It’s really a special feeling, and I can’t wait to show off to the fans how good this Royals team is.”

The Royals and Chicago Red Stars will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at America First Field.

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