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CHICAGO, Illinois (Sunday, July 5, 2026) \u2013<\/strong> Utah Royals FC (7-3-3, 24 points, 3rd NWSL) fell to Chicago Stars FC (4-0-9, 12 pts, 14th NWSL) in a 3-2 loss at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium this weekend. The loss marked the end of an historic ten-game unbeaten streak as the Royals returned for its first match since returning from international break.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n Utah Royals Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets<\/a> made no positional and three personnel changes from the 2-2 draw against the Portland Thorns prior to international break, inserting defenders Alexa Spaanstra<\/a> and Tatumn Milazzo<\/a> into the backline, and Courtney Brown<\/a> into the midfield for Mina Tanaka<\/a> who is unavailable due to an injury.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Royals started out aggressive, when URFC forward Cece Delzer<\/a>, took a shot on goal in the 2nd minute that was parried by Portland goalkeeper Katie Atkinson. Another opportunity came minutes later when forward Clo\u00e8 Lacasse<\/a> brought the ball up the left side, sending a cross towards the goal that was caught by Atkinson in the 12th minute.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Despite the Royals force, the Stars found a chance in the 20th minute, when Chicago\u2019s Mallory Swanson took a free kick from the right penalty area that was headed away by Milazzo. Chicago regained possession, with Brianna Pinto crossing from the left to Jordyn Huitema in the middle. Huitema received the ball, taking a shot on goal from the top of the 6\u2019, giving the Stars a 1-0 lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Royals were not deterred and continued to press hard, making back-to-back attempts in the 25th minute, with midfielder Brown taking a shot on goal that didn’t convert.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n In the 43rd minute, the Royals seized an opportunity, when defender Spaanstra crossed over from the right side, finding Lacasse, who sent the ball into the back of the net with a right-footed shot. The goal equalized the match 1:1, additionally marking Lacasse\u2019s 5th goal of the season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n In the 50th minute, Chicago\u2019s Taylor Wood fouled Delzer on a slide, quickly prompting a VAR review. The penalty decision was overturned, with Delzer converting the penalty kick in the 54th minute, giving Utah a 2-1 lead. Delzer is now two for two in penalty kicks for her career. The goal also marked the 4th penalty kick for Utah this season, the most in the NWSL.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n