Despite a standout performance from captain Paige Monaghan, the Utah Royals fell 2–1 to the Seattle Reign on Friday night at Lumen Field, as the hosts clinched an NWSL playoff berth. For Monaghan, the night carried a silver lining — she scored her career-high fourth goal of the season, marking a major milestone in her six-year professional career.
Monaghan’s Milestone Season
Drafted No. 10 overall in 2019, Monaghan was never viewed as a primary goal scorer. But in her second season with Utah, the 28-year-old winger has flourished under manager Jimmy Coenraets, becoming a crucial attacking threat and leader.
“I think for me, it’s just been about repetition,” Monaghan said post-match. “I’ve always been the kind of player who gets better with repetition. I really credit the staff for their time and my teammates for their faith in me.”
Monaghan’s 60th-minute strike — a composed finish from distance — drew the Royals level at 1–1, before Seattle’s Sofia Huerta restored the lead minutes later from the penalty spot following a VAR review.
The Royals (5-13-7, 22 points) have already been eliminated from playoff contention, but Monaghan’s leadership and late-season form have been bright spots. Her four goals rank second on the team behind Mina Tanaka’s six, and she’s contributed directly to goals in six of Utah’s last seven matches.
Reign Clinch Playoff Spot, McCammon Scores First Career Goal
Seattle entered the match needing a win to lock in a playoff berth — and delivered. Teenager Ainsley McCammon, captain of the U.S. U-17 national team at last year’s World Cup, opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time with a header from a Maddie Dahlien cross. It was McCammon’s first professional goal, sending the Reign into halftime up 1–0 despite Utah’s early dominance.
Huerta’s second-half penalty, her 38th NWSL goal, sealed the victory and a postseason spot for the Reign (10-7-8, 38 points).
Utah’s Strong Performance Despite the Loss
The Royals controlled large portions of the match — out-shooting Seattle 13–8 and holding 54% possession — but couldn’t convert their pressure into goals.
“It’s frustrating because we played some really good football,” Coenraets said after the game. “Paige’s leadership and professionalism are exactly what we need as we build for next year. She came back from injury on a mission, and she’s been phenomenal.”
Teammates Praise Their Captain
Defender Ana Tejada, who stepped into the center-back role in the absence of Kaleigh Riehl (hamstring), praised Monaghan’s impact both on and off the pitch.
“She’s an example for all of us,” Tejada said. “She’s our captain for a reason — the work, the attitude, the energy. We respect her so much.”
Looking Ahead
The Royals will close out their 2025 campaign at home against the Washington Spirit on Sunday, Nov. 2, at America First Field in Sandy. Kickoff time will be announced later.
Despite a disappointing season in the standings, Utah’s young roster — anchored by veterans like Monaghan — has shown glimpses of the foundation being built for the future.
