Japanese international Mina Tanaka along with captain Paige Cronin emerged as the primary attacking threats, bagging 10 goals and three assists in the second half of the season. Tanaka claimed the team’ s Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year and Golden Boot, along with a selection to a Monthly Best XI. She was nominated for several NWSL Weekly awards, noting her creativity and powering much of the Royals’ attacking resurgence.
Defender Kate Del Fava anchored the back line, starting all 26 league matches and earning Defensive Player of the Year recognition while helping stabilize a back four that battled injuries. Del Fava also received Humanitarian of the Year honors and a nomination for the league’ s Lauren Holiday Impact Award for extensive community work across Utah on and off the pitch.
News from the coaches’ box
In November, Utah Royals FC announced the extension of sporting director Kelly Cousins as well as the addition of new Head of Recruitment Harvey Bussell.
Cousins
Cousins has completed two seasons as Sporting Director for Utah Royals FC since her arrival at the Club in July, 2023.
Bussell most recently served in the same role at Manchester United W. F. C.
Real Salt Lake Sporting Director Kurt Schmid and fifth-year RSL Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni also signed new multi-year contract extensions. Additionally, former RSL player and front-office veteran, Tony Beltran, has been promoted to Assistant Sporting Director, continuing to Schmid report to Schmid, with additional first-team duties now under his purview.
Bussell
In the five seasons played under Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni’ s guidance( 2021-present), RSL has advanced to both the 2021 Western Conference Final at
Mastroeni
Portland and the 2023 Lamar Hunt U. S. Open Cup Semifinal at Houston. Mastroeni is the sixth-ever MLS head coach( out of 205) to advance his Club to the postseason in each of the first five seasons.
Beltran
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