Herriman, Utah – The Utah Royals FC have added attacking firepower ahead of the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, announcing Sunday the loan acquisition of forward Alexa Spaanstra from the Portland Thorns. The move brings a promising young talent to Utah, bolstering the Royals’ roster as they prepare for a competitive year. This Alexa Spaanstra loan is a significant boost for URFC as they look to build on recent successes and contend for a championship.
Spaanstra, 24, has quickly established herself as a rising star in the NWSL since being selected 10th overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft by the Kansas City Current. Her journey to the professional ranks began with a standout collegiate career at the University of Virginia, where she consistently earned All-ACC recognition throughout her four seasons. Before turning pro, Spaanstra also represented the United States on the international stage, contributing to CONCACAF championship victories with both the under-17 and under-20 national teams.
The forward’s professional debut year with the Current saw her make 15 appearances, including five starts. She made an immediate impact, scoring her first professional goal and providing an assist in a dominant 6-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars on October 7, 2023. The game marked a turning point, and she followed it up with another goal the following week against NJ/NY Gotham FC, earning her NWSL Rookie of the Month honors for September/October 2023.
Building on that momentum in 2024, Spaanstra continued to contribute, scoring a goal and adding an assist in 11 regular-season games. She also showcased her versatility by featuring in multiple cup competitions, including the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. A pivotal moment came on August 15th, when she scored the winning goal against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Women’s Cup, further solidifying her reputation as a clutch performer.
A Trade to Portland and Now, a Loan to Utah
In August 2024, Spaanstra was traded to the Portland Thorns in exchange for $25,000 in intra-league transfer funds and an additional $15,000 in allocation money, according to the NWSL official website. During her time with the Thorns, she made 25 appearances, starting nine matches and contributing two assists. While her time in Portland was valuable, the loan to Utah presents a new opportunity for Spaanstra to showcase her skills and contribute to a team with championship aspirations.
Utah Royals FC officials highlighted Spaanstra’s experience, versatility, and attacking potential as key factors in the decision to bring her to Herriman. Her ability to play multiple positions and contribute offensively makes her a valuable asset to the team’s attack. The loan deal allows the Royals to add a proven player without committing to a permanent transfer, providing flexibility as they navigate the season.
Spaanstra’s Collegiate and Youth Career
Before making her mark in the NWSL, Spaanstra honed her skills at the University of Virginia. Her consistent excellence earned her All-ACC selections in each of her four seasons, establishing her as one of the top collegiate players in the country. Her success extended to the international level, where she represented the United States youth national teams with distinction, winning CONCACAF championships at both the under-17 and under-20 levels. This foundation of success has prepared her for the challenges of professional soccer.
Looking at her statistics, Spaanstra demonstrates a strong passing ability, completing 71% of her passes (120/178) in the 2025 season. This proficiency in distribution, combined with her goal-scoring ability, makes her a dynamic and effective attacking player.
The Royals’ acquisition of Spaanstra reflects a strategic approach to team building, focusing on adding players who can contribute immediately and enhance the team’s overall competitiveness. The loan deal allows the Royals to assess Spaanstra’s fit within the team’s system and potentially explore a permanent transfer in the future.
What’s Next for the Utah Royals FC?
The Utah Royals FC will continue their preseason preparations as they gear up for the start of the 2026 NWSL season. Spaanstra is expected to join the team immediately and start training with her new teammates. The Royals’ schedule will be released in the coming weeks, providing fans with a clear picture of the team’s upcoming matches and opportunities to support their local NWSL club. Fans can find the latest updates and information on the team’s official website, www.utahroyalsfc.com.
The addition of Alexa Spaanstra is a positive step for the Utah Royals FC, signaling their commitment to building a competitive team and providing exciting soccer for fans in Utah. The team’s success will depend on the collective efforts of its players, coaches, and supporters, and the arrival of Spaanstra adds another piece to the puzzle.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this exciting addition to the Utah Royals FC roster and discuss the team’s prospects for the upcoming season in the comments below.
