After their return from Angel City on Monday, Utah Royals FC faced the reality that playoff aspirations were now dashed. With no match scheduled this weekend due to the international break, the team was promptly granted two days off. Coach Jimmy Coenraets informed the players that coaches and trainers would be present on Tuesday and Wednesday, inviting them to express their needs.
“On both days, the whole group came in,” Coenraets shared with The Equalizer. “[On Wednesday], I think I had five individual sessions. To me, it’s an indication that people still want to go even though we are coming to the end of the season.”
This reflects the type of atmosphere Coenraets has worked to cultivate since taking over as interim head coach after Amy Rodriguez’s dismissal at the end of June. His superiors have acknowledged his efforts, and on Thursday morning the club announced that Coenraets would continue as head coach beyond the interim phase, a reality he admits is relieving to finally discuss openly.
Conversations about Coenraets’s ascension to a permanent role began a few weeks prior. These discussions also encompassed creating a sustainable and productive environment for the club, with input from players regarding future visions extending to 2027.
“Based on those discussions, we created an environment where the player is central to everything we do,” he noted, “which turned out to be highly appreciated and something they were really yearning for. In general, many players have shown improved performances in recent weeks.”
These enhanced performances were crucial in discussions about Coenraets’s appointment as the permanent coach. Following his initial game as interim coach, the team took a break for the Olympic Games and the Summer Cup, where they managed to secure victories in two of three matches, with collective focus shifting to their regular season resumption in late August.
“We approached it like a mini pre-season,” Coenraets explained.
Now, he’ll have the opportunity to orchestrate a comprehensive pre-season, though he warned that players might not particularly enjoy the training regimen awaiting them when they regroup in February.
“That’s something I’m sure the players won’t be thrilled to hear, but I think conditioning is essential — we had very demanding weeks leading into those [Summer Cup] matches. They should expect a similar level of intensity during pre-season. Of course, we’ll have more time and a different atmosphere, with less pressure. But conditioning will be a significant focus during that period.”
Coenraets aims for the team to adopt an attractive offensive approach while also being a tenacious defensive unit. “That demands a lot from an athlete, but it’s something I’m enthusiastic about implementing starting in January, ensuring everyone reaches the physical standard required.”
The coach believes that having a well-conditioned team playing at the higher altitude of America First Field, located at 4,450 feet above sea level — significantly higher than any other NWSL venue — will provide a competitive edge. “We noted in one of our documents that from the 60th minute onwards, our fitness and the altitude should give us an advantage over other teams.”
Under Coenraets, the Royals have posted a record of 5-3-2 in the regular season, a marked improvement from their 2-11-2 start under Rodriguez. Player acquisitions have contributed to this turnaround, with Claudia Zornoza, Cloe Lacasse, and Mina Tanaka joining the squad during the summer transfer window, along with a healthy return for center back Kaleigh Riehl.
Ally Sentnor, the top pick from the final NWSL draft this year, initially struggled for options in the attacking third and often held the ball too long before surrendering possession. After missing September to represent the United States in the U-20 World Cup, where she earned a bronze medal, her performance has notably improved. She has since formed an effective partnership with Lacasse, who netted the first hat trick of the 2024 NWSL season on October 13.
“I remember during the second practice session [post-World Cup], she came to me and said, ‘Wow, this is heavy,’” Coenraets recounted. This was a strong indication that progress is being made in Utah. Sentnor even briefly questioned her role within the team, something Coenraets highlighted as a double-edged sword.
“Players need that confidence while also feeling the competition from teammates striving for playing time. This balance is crucial to keep everyone competitive and responsive.”
Image Source: Jimmy Coenraets @ Instagram
