HERRIMAN, Utah (Wednesday, November 11, 2026) – After securing a 1-0 victory over No. 2 seed San Diego in an unprecedented Quarterfinal upset last weekend, Utah Royals FC (14-5-11, 47 pts) now travel to Audi Field Saturday to face the Washington Spirit (17-4-9, 55 pts) in the NWSL Semifinals, presented by Google Pixel, with kickoff set for 10:00 a.m. MT, televised on CBS.
In an improbable victory, Utah clinched its Semifinal spot in its first-ever postseason appearance, the 1-0 road win at San Diego last Friday at Snapdragon Stadium. The win not only made history as the Royals advanced to its first-ever NWSL Semifinal, but also secured Utah’s first-ever win against the Wave in Club history. After a tumultuous back-and-forth affair for the majority of the first half, Mexican international Kiana Palacios fired home a stunning left-footed shot off a Cloé Lacasse assist in the 30th minute, giving the Royals the advantage and notching the first-ever URFC playoff goal. Royals goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn rose to the challenge time and time again, with critical saves to prevent the heavily-favored home side from finding the net, securing her third all-time NWSL postseason clean sheet.
Saturday, the Royals travel to play in its first Semifinal, facing the Spirit in a third meeting this year. Earlier in the season on March 25, Utah earned a 1-1 draw against Washington at Audi Field, with Japanese international Mina Tanaka finding an equalizer in the 84th minute. The clubs met again on July 29 in Utah, when the Royals fell 0-1 to the Spirit, as NWSL MVP candidate Trinity Rodman scored the game-winner, with the Royals suffering the rare home shutout.
Washington entered the postseason with a 17-4-9 league record and 55 pts, landing third overall in the NWSL Shield standings. The Spirit remain at home, coming off of a dominant Quarterfinal win over Portland Thorns FC on Sunday, utilizing home-field advantage and securing a 4-1 knockout victory. The match saw a Rodman brace, along with a goal from league newcomers Clara Luvanga and Mélissa Bethi, whose sixth-minute goal was the fastest in Spirit playoff history. Washington has made four NWSL championship appearances since 2016, winning for the first time in 2021, now angling for their fifth appearance with a win over the Royals.
Having earned its first-ever win over San Diego in Club history and riding the momentum of its first-ever postseason, the Royals seek to continue to defy expectations at every turn, entering the matchup against the Spirit once again determined to overcome all odds on its path to the 2026 NWSL Championship.
Join fans at America First Field for the Utah Royals at Washington Spirit WATCH PARTY this Saturday, November 14 (kickoff set for 10:00 a.m. MT.) Free tickets are available here.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
WATCH LIVE on CBS or Paramount+ with Kate Scott and Lori Lindsey :: Utah Royals FC vs Washington Spirit @ Audi Field - 10:00 a.m. MT
OR
LISTEN via KSL Sports Radio (102.7 FM / 1160 AM) starting at 9:30 a.m. MT
URFC Semifinals: 11/14 at Washington D.C.
URFC heads to the Semifinals for the first time in club history. Watch on CBS and Paramount+.
