The Utah Royals end the season with a 4-1 loss to reigning champion Gotham

SANDY – If the Utah Royals were looking for the blueprint to succeed in the NWSL, they had it on Friday.

Reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC entered America First Field and cemented their position as one of the top contenders to win the trophy again with four goals and three points.

The win moves Gotham into second place in the league standings and leaves Utah in 10th place – still a significant improvement from the bottom spot of 14th, where the Royals have been hanging around for most of the year.

Gotham took control early with goals in the 15th and 17th minutes and could have scored a third just minutes later had the VAR not seen a handball call disallowing the goal.

Hannah Betfort scored a goal in the 74th minute off an assist from Kate Del Fava to give Utah some hope, but Esther Gonzalez scored a quick brace in the 77th and 84th minutes to give Gotham the win.

“They pretty much finished the game, which is what makes a good team,” Del Fava said. “We know we can be just as good as them next year. I think we showed that in a moment of really good brilliance from Hannah, so I hope we can just build on that and have more moments like that next year.”

The Royals entered Friday's regular-season finale having been undefeated in four games since Sept. 28. Five of their seven wins this season came after the break at the Summer Olympics in July and August, showing positive development under newly appointed head coach Jimmy Coenraets.

Coenraets said several players came up to him after the loss and said: “Forget it. Next season will be better.”

“I think there is a great belief that something big is growing in this group,” Coenraets said. “It’s just about making sure everyone gets the time off they need and then I’m pretty confident we’ll have a fun season next season.”

The team's main priority is keeping players healthy after the injury list hit double digits in recent weeks. But afterward, Coenraets said the main goal for Utah is to make the playoffs next year, which would mean two spots higher in the standings and at least two more wins, according to this year's rankings.