Sat Apr 12 01:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Utah Royals FC Aim for First Win Against Portland Thorns

**HERRIMAN, Utah –** The Utah Royals FC (0-2-1) will face off against the Portland Thorns FC (0-1-2) this Friday, April 11th, at 8:00 p.m. MT at America First Field in Herriman. The match marks the first of two consecutive home games for the Royals as they look to secure their first win of the 2025 NWSL season.

The Royals are coming off a 3-0 defeat to the Kansas City Current. However, the international break provided an opportunity for the team to build depth and recover injured players through a scrimmage against Utah Valley University. Five Royals players—Mandy McGlynn and Ally Sentnor (USA), Mina Tanaka (Japan), Janni Thomsen (Denmark), and Bianca St-Georges (Canada)—represented their respective national teams during the break with varying degrees of playing time. Tanaka, however, sustained an injury during her time with Japan.

Utah holds a strong record against Portland, having swept the Thorns in their three meetings last year. This includes two regular-season wins and a draw in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. The most recent victory saw Tanaka score the winning goal in a 2-1 victory. However, both teams will be eager to start strong, as neither has won after conceding the first goal this season. Both teams also have significant first-half defensive issues to address.

The Thorns, who are yet to secure a win this season, are without key player Sophia Smith due to maternity leave. Their 2025 campaign began with a 3-1 loss to Kansas City and subsequent draws against Angel City FC and the North Carolina Courage.

The match will be broadcast live on PRIME, with commentary by Mike Watts, Lori Lindsey, and Lianne Sanderson. Fans can also listen to the game on KSL Sports Radio (102.7 FM / 1160 AM) starting at 7:30 p.m. MT. The Royals will then host Chicago Stars FC on April 18th at 7:30 p.m. MT. Tickets for both matches are available at https://www.rsl.com/utahroyals/tickets/single.

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