HERRIMAN, UTAH (Tuesday, January 2, 2024) – Utah Royals FC today signed free-agent MF Agnes Nyberg for the 2024/25 National Women’s Soccer League seasons. Nyberg – formerly of Swedish side IK Uppsala and a Swedish U23 international – becomes the 16th player on the 2024 expansion Utah side’s roster, with the upcoming NWSL Draft occurring on Jan. 12 and players reporting to preseason between Jan. 22-29. Utah Royals FC will play its inaugural game on March 16, 2024, as part of the opening NWSL weekend.
“I feel super excited for this next step in my career and to play in one of the best leagues in the world,” said Nyberg, with six professional seasons under her belt despite being only 23 years of age. “I feel very honored to become a Royal and to start this new journey together with this club and team.”
“I was blown away by the Club’s professional facilities, the arena and seeing the support from the fans and community that the Utah club experienced last time they were in the league. Now, I feel like coming to Utah is the perfect move for me and my career, with the way (Head Coach Amy Rodriguez) wants to play and to challenge myself in a new environment and well-respected league.
“To play under a coach like Amy that has had such an amazing career both internationally winning gold with USA and having huge success within the League really inspires me to want to play under a coach with such experience. She knows what it takes to succeed and the importance of a good culture.
“With the rest of the team and staff, I hope to develop and progress both individually and collectively to have a very successful first season. I hope to bring my hard-working, technical and tactical ability to the team to hopefully help us win a lot of games this season. I can’t wait to get started and to meet the team, staff and get to know the Utah Royals FC community!”
Five of Nyberg’s last six professional seasons in Sweden have seen her represent her hometown Uppsala side in the Swedish first and second divisions, with the 2022 campaign at AIK the lone exception. With 73 appearances and three goals since 2018, the experienced midfielder makes the move to the NWSL. Born on April 19, 2000 in Uppsala, Nyberg also appeared in another 150+ matches with Uppsala’s youth teams from 2014-18.
“Adding yet another piece we believe fits beautifully into our overall 2024 plan, as Agnes is well-positioned for this move as young yet experienced professional,” said URFC Sporting Director Kelly Cousins. “Her enthusiasm, industry and skill will provide so many elements critical to our foundation as the group seeks cohesion in the coming months.”
Utah Royals FC will see its players report to the Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, Utah, in late January, with the 2024 NWSL reg. season kicking off on March 16. Here’s Utah’s 15-player roster by position – along with each player’s 2023 side – as it currently stands ahead of the January 12 NWSL Draft:
- GK: Mandy Haught (Gotham FC), Carly Nelson (Orlando Pride)
- DF: Kaleigh Riehl (San Diego Wave), Madison Pogarch (San Diego Wave), Kate Del Fava (KC Current), Addisyn Merrick (KC Current)
- MF: Mikayla Cluff (Orlando Pride), Michele Vasconcelos (Portland Thorns), Emily Gray (North Carolina Courage), Frankie Tagliaferri (North Carolina Courage), Agnes Nybert (IK Uppsala – Sweden)
- FW: Hannah Betfort (Portland Thorns), Imani Dorsey (Gotham FC), Paige Monaghan (Racing Louisville), Ify Onumonu (Gotham FC), Cameron Tucker (Houston Dash)
The 2024 NWSL Draft, presented by Ally, will take place Friday, January 12 at 6 p.m. MT during the United Soccer Coaches Convention at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. For the full list of draft rules and procedures, please click here.
Currently, Utah Royals FC’s 2024 draft picks (round / overall) are as follows:
1st Round – No. 1, No. 4 (KC)
2nd Round – No. 16, No. 20 (WAS), No. 21 (WAS), No. 26 (ORL)
3rd Round – No. 29, No. 33 (POR)
4th Round – No. 44
Live coverage of the 2024 NWSL Draft, presented by Ally, will be televised on ION from 6 to 8 p.m. MT. All rounds of the draft will be streamed on ION Plus. Viewers can find access to ION in their area by visiting https://iontelevision.com/find-us.
