It’s almost soccer season again in Utah and it’s time to highlight what games are most exiting. For the first time since 2019, we’ll have a full slate of both Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC games at home. Below we’ll highlight some good away games, double-header weekends when both teams play at home, and the best match ups at AFF this year.
February 21 - RSL away to Miami
RSL’s first two games are on the road, which is a tall order especially when they face teams like Inter Miami (who may not be all that good after a disastrous preseason world tour) and St. Louis City. If you can secure a ticket to see RSL open their 2024 season against a star-studded Inter Miami, this a good time of year to get out of Utah for warmer weather.
March 2 - RSL home opener
RSL hosts LAFC for their 2024 home opener. They face LAFC, who have always been a tough team for Real, but home openers are always a blast, with a real “first day back at school” vibe to them. Kickoff for this one is at noon.
March 16 - Utah Royals season opener at home
After three long years without the Utah Royals, the team is finally back in the NWSL. They play the Chicago Red Stars. The very first Utah Royals game was an away game, so having Utah Royals 2.0 start at home is a huge win. If I could only go to one soccer game this year, this would be the one.
April 12 & 13 - double home game weekend
On Friday the 12th, Utah Royals host Orlando Pride. On the 13th, RSL hosts the Columbus Crew. Both games kickoff at 7:30pm. It’s a great weekend for live soccer, and if you live outside the SLC area, this could be a good time for a visit.
May 3 & 4 - double home game weekend
These are two big games. On Friday, URFC host a stacked Angel City team. Former Utah Royals striker Christen Press could be back from her ACL injury, and seeing her play soccer again, for whichever team, would be great.
On Saturday, RSL host Sporting Kansas City, which appears to also be Star Wars Night. SKC has been one of RSL’s biggest rivals for over a decade and these games are always electric.
June 16 - Utah Royals away to Bay FC
Utah Royals will face fellow expansion team Bay FC for the first time on the road at PayPal Park. It’s a quick flight to the Bay Area for this Sunday night game. Bay FC are putting together an exciting team and a trip to California is always fun.
July 6 - RSL hosts Atlanta United
Atlanta United is always a fun team to watch. The eastern conference giants return to Utah for a Saturday night match, which should include former RSL man Brooks Lennon.
July 20 - RSL at the Rapids
RSL and the Colordo Rapids only play each other twice this year, so this game will be the decider in this season's Rocky Mountain Cup. It's the shorted away trip for RSL fans and Commerce City in July is, well, fine.
August 23 & 24 -- double home game weekend
Royals host Bay FC on Friday, and RSL hosts the Earthquakes on Saturday. Both games kickoff at 7:30pm.
September 8 - Utah Royals host San Diego Wave
This is another match up that hasn’t happened much, since the Wave joined the NWSL the Royals were relocated to KC in 2020. While the teams will face one another in San Diego earlier in the season, this should be a fun home game.
September 18 - RSL hosts FC Dallas
This is a rare home game that’s on a Wednesday. Many people don’t love the midweek game, but I think they’re an absolute blast. What better way to break up the week than with RSL taking on a western conference rival?
October 6 - Utah away to Portland Thorns
The atmosphere in Portland in second to none in the US, and this is a road trip that’s actually drivable. Plus, seeing former Utah Royals captain Becky Sauerbrunn in action is always fun.
November 1 - Utah hosts Gotham
It's the final day of the NWSL regular season and Gotham are the reigning NWSL champions. It's an exciting way to close out the season.
What games are you most excited for this season?
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