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3mo ago

Utah Royals Edge Denver Summit to Extend Nine-Game Unbeaten Run

The victory pushes Utah into a tie for first in the NWSL, highlighting how a VAR-upheld penalty decided the match.

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Utah Royals FC forward Kiana Palacios celebrates a goal with defender Kaleigh Riehl during a 2-1 win over Denver Summit FC in an NWSL match, Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Sandy, Utah.
Utah-native Zach Booth (23) celebrates after scoring his first MLS goal in the 22nd minute.

Overview

  • Utah beat Denver Summit 2-1 on Saturday to extend an unbeaten streak to nine matches and move into a share of first place in the NWSL.
  • Kiana Palacios opened the scoring in the 20th minute on an assist from Cloé Lacasse and Denver equalized in first-half stoppage when Delanie Sheehan set up Yazmeen Ryan.
  • Mina Tanaka converted the decisive 72nd-minute penalty after Lacasse drew a foul inside the box and a video review upheld the call, with Abby Smith getting a hand to the kick.
  • Denver showed clear offensive growth coming into the game but repeated defensive errors and a late injury to defender Natasha Flint undermined their response.
  • The result sharpens the developing Continental Divide rivalry and has schedule consequences for both teams as Utah prepares to face Portland before the league's long break and Denver travels to Racing Louisville.