Will the Utah Royals end Gotham FC's winning streak in a thrilling season finale?

Excitement is high in Sandy, Utah as Utah Royals FC hosts NJ/NY Gotham FC on the final day of the 2024 NWSL regular season. Both teams go into this “decision day” ready for battle with different missions so far. As Gothan FC looks to climb the playoff rankings, the Royals want to make sure they can go out with a bang in their final appearance in front of their home crowd to show their appreciation for them.

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This season was indeed a tough test for the Utah Royals FC. With 25 points from 7 wins, 14 defeats and 4 draws, the team is currently in tenth place. Competing on this scale is tough, but the Royals have made progress, especially after Matchday 15, where they have only lost three times since then – a record rivaled only by Gotham FC and Orlando Pride in recent games.

That fighting spirit was on display in the recent 1-1 draw against Angel City. It was Spanish midfielder Claudia Zornoza who shone with a fantastic free kick in the 21st minute, but Angel City equalized in the second half. Still, the Royals dominated the shots on goal, demonstrating their growth and relentless pursuit of victory.

Adding to a determined roster, the Utah Royals will welcome back key players who were on international duty during the just-closed FIFA window. Back in the team are Ana Tejada, Dana Foederer, Mandy Haught and Mina Tanaka, who bring experience and freshness. Tejada, who played for Spain, and Haught for the USA, shone with great performances. Tejada was substituted in the 75th minute against Italy, while Haught made his first start for the USA and kept a clean sheet in the win over Argentina. Foederer impressed for the Netherlands U-23 and Tanaka scored in Japan's victory over South Korea. This gives a boost to form because these successes invigorate the team and ensure that the year ends with something unforgettable.

On the other hand, NJ/NY Gotham FC enters the field with an impressive record. Gotham FC, currently in third place in the NWSL with 53 points, has been the best team in the league since May, is on a winning streak and is extremely coherent offensively. In the last game they defeated Orlando Pride 3-1, with Sam Hiatt, Rose Lavelle and Ella Stevens making important contributions to the game and scoring crucial goals.

Gotham enters this showdown with the Royals on a seven-game unbeaten streak, and Yazmeen Ryan showed the consistency that opposing defenses had to worry about. It was Ryan who scored the game-winning goal against the Royals in September, in that 1-0 win – a game that was even but Gotham's way. This intensity and the ability to maintain this edge therefore makes Gotham a force to contend with.

The Royals know this weekend's game represents an opportunity to show fans and critics alike that they may have the potential to contend with the league's best. Offensively, they have the honor of having scored more long-range goals this season than any other team in league history. That alone shows that a team is not afraid to take their chances and is supported by players who believe in themselves.

However, against Gotham, concentration is required across the entire pitch. The backline needs to be in sync because there are players on the field who can change the game with just one touch. The Royals also need solid midfield coordination to control the tempo of the game and withstand the constant pressure of an opponent who capitalizes on every mistake.